Mayor Joshua J. Cohen presented his State of the City address Monday along with his proposed $95.4 million operating budget, showcasing three fiscal priorities:

1. Structurally balanced budget
2. Restored fund balance
3. Fully funded long term liabilities

The proposed FY13 budget, the proposed Capital Improvement Program for FY13-FY18, along with the mayor’s PowerPoint presentation can be viewed at http://bit.ly/x1O18W.

Meanwhile, the Finance Committee budget hearings are tentatively set for the following dates:

• Tuesday
• March 27
• April 3
• April 10
• April 17
• April 24

The hearings will be held in City Council chambers, located at 160 Duke of Gloucester St. and will begin at 3 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend, but if unable, can watch the meetings on City TV channel 34 on Verizon and channel 99/100 on Comcast.

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY13-FY18 Capital Improvement Program at 7 p.m. April 5 in Council Chambers. A presentation on the proposed Capital Improvement Program will be given and the public is welcome to speak. The Planning Commission will submit its recommendations to City Council.

Strategic plan

The City Council work session will take place Thursday from 1:30-4:30 p.m. City Manager Michael Mallinoff will present the draft vision and mission statement for the city’s strategic plan.

Mayor Cohen, Mallinoff, department directors, city council and focus groups made up of residents, community leaders and business owners have been working with the University of Maryland’s Institute for Governmental Service to create this roadmap for the future. The work session will be broadcast on City TV.

Maryland Day celebration

The 5th Annual Maryland Day Celebration 2012 will take place March 23-25. Maryland Day is a collaborative event sponsored by Four Rivers: The Heritage Area of Annapolis, London Town & South County.

Whether you like historic sites, cultural activities, natural resources and conservation Four Rivers Heritage Area has it all. There is something for every member of the family to enjoy during this annual celebration. For more information, go to http://www.marylandday.org

And the city of Annapolis is getting involved during a special Maryland Day Celebration event. Student archaeologists from the University of Maryland will be at City Hall, 160 Duke of Gloucester Street, at 10 a.m. March 24 to discuss recent excavations on Fleet, Cornhill, Pinkney and East streets.

This lively presentation will highlight the various communities that thrived in Annapolis more than 300 years ago. Food remains and tableware will be used to illustrate the lifestyles of a variety of ethnic groups who resided in Annapolis in the 1700s.

Following the presentation, participants will be encouraged to share stories of their experiences growing up on these particular streets in Annapolis. Girl Scouts attending this presentation will qualify for the Maryland Heritage Badge.

The free presentation will take place in Council Chambers, located on the second floor of City Hall. Please RSVP to histpres@annapolis.gov or call Shari Pippen at 410-263-7961 ext. 7793 to confirm your attendance.

This Maryland Day event is being hosted by Historic Annapolis, the University of Maryland, the Annapolis Heritage Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission.