DOVER - While residents can always chat with officials, the city is once again using an online survey and ballot boxes to help identify priorities during the annual budgeting process.

About four years ago, the city implemented the Dover Dollars program, where residents identify which areas are important. At first, residents had about 40 choices, but over time, the city condensed them down to five main areas, according to Colleen Bessette, executive assistant to City Manager Michael Joyal.

The Dover Dollars are available in the city manager's office and the ballots are on a table down the corridor in City Hall.

Bessette said about 100 residents participated in the process the first year. She added it has been growing in popularity, especially online.

For the second year, residents can fill out an online survey titled, "Valuing the Results of Dover's Municipal Government," which helps rank the importance of the same five areas, which include: public safety, public education, public infrastructure, economic development and fiscal stewardship.

The survey, which is available at tinyurl.com/csomobe, and the Dover Dollars balloting both end April 4.

Additionally, residents can take part in the city manager's annual "Budget Revealed" session, which is scheduled for March 28 at 7 p.m. in the Media Access Center at the McConnell Center. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP to Colleen Bessette at 516-6023 or c.bessette@dover.nh.gov.

Public input will be shared with the city council before budget deliberations begin later next month. The council must adopt a budget by June 15, as the fiscal year begins July 1, according to the release.