The Mayor's new budget: Do residents get good value?

The Mayor's new $2.4-Billion budget increases real estate tax 2.5% - the maximum if I'm not mistaken - even as wages for many Bostonians remain flat on the heels of the Great Recession. In addition, the MBTA has announced record increases in fares which will cost some commuters thousands more per year.

Please comment in the thread below and post links to other articles about the Mayor's budget. My questions about the City of Boston's finances and services are are follows:

• Do Boston residents get good value for their tax dollar?
• If you own your home, what do you pay? And what do you value in the services you receive?
• What is the value proposition being made to taxpayers in return for the 2.5% increase in real estate tax?
• Do you think residents should ask the City Council and Mayor to review the budget and identify cost savings of 5% that can be made without damaging programs and new initiatives?
• Would you like to hear more about the new spending that is planned, what it costs and what we get for it?

WestRoxbury.Patch.com:

“We are perhaps the strongest city in the nation right now – our finances are stable, our economy is growing, and our neighborhoods are vibrant. The FY 2013 budget supports what got us here and pushes us to go further,” said Menino. “We will continue to invest in our strengths, build relationships, and engage our partners in a way that helps expand access to quality schools, empower neighbors to engage in their communities, promote healthy living, and ensure Boston’s prosperity for years to come.”