It’s not uncommon for residents of almost every community to feel a disconnect with local government.

In an effort to bridge that gap, town of Dillon officials announced this week it would host quarterly community forums intended to encourage residents, business owners and visitors to discuss issues facing the town and to brainstorm ways to address those concerns.

“There’s a public comment period during town council meetings, but formal meetings don’t provide council members an opportunity to really interact with citizens about their concerns,” said Susan Fairweather, director of economic development, marketing and communications for the town of Dillon. “These community forums are designed to be informal, provide transparency of the town’s (policy making) processes and to hear the heartbeat of the community.”

The first community meeting is scheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Dillon Town Hall, 275 Lake Dillon Drive. Although the meetings are designed to provide residents with an opportunity to voice their concerns, the Oct. 9 meeting will feature a question and answer period about Dillon’s proposed ballot question to increase user-based taxes on admissions to certain public events, such as concerts, and to impose the town’s 2.5 percent sales tax on recreational rental activity.

The proposition, known as Referred Issue 2E, was added to the November ballot through a resolution passed during an August Dillon Town Council meeting.

Future quarterly meetings are scheduled to take place Wednesdays on Feb. 12, June 11, Sept. 10 and Nov. 12, 2014. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, visit the town of Dillon calendar online at http://www.townofdillon.com or call Fairweather at 262-3403.