The Houston Chronicle brings us this update to the paper's earlier stories that highlighted how difficult it was for the public to find out the time and place of Metro committee workshops. Writer Carolyn Feibel tells us today that Metro has decided to post that information online, making it easier for people to attend those meetings.

That's a win for transparency, but in the same breath it seems Metro has decided to strike a blow against transparency:

At Metro, the budget is not posted online. People can view it on the 14th floor of the downtown headquarters. Last but not least, Metro has only released some of the budget, along with a PowerPoint handout. The full budget, with all the departmental information, is dubbed the “business plan.” I'm told I cannot see it while it is still being “fine tuned.”

So the public won't have a chance to see how the transit agency plans to spend our money --- until it's basically a done deal. The decision to keep the details hidden until the 11th hour smacks of arrogance and lack of accountability. The public deserves better.

Here's Metro's online comments form, if you'd like to give them feedback on this decision.