ALEXANDRIA, Va.-NCUA Chairman Dennis Dollar recently announced that the agency has slated its third annual Budget Briefing and Public Forum for the morning of Oct. 10. The briefing, given by NCUA Executive Director Len Skiles, will provide credit unions their first glimpse into the agency's 2004 budget and invite public comment. "As a federal agency, NCUA has a duty to serve the best interests of those we regulate and insure," Dollar said. "Because of our ongoing commitment to transparency in the NCUA budget process, our stakeholders are better able to understand and have their views considered in the development of the agency budget. As I have stated in the past, we recognize that NCUA's budget not only affects our bottom line as an agency, but it has impact on credit unions' bottom lines, as well." Those who want to make oral statements during the briefing should contact Board Secretary Becky Baker. Requests should be entitled "Budget Briefing and Public Forum – Request to Participate," and must be received by Oct. 6. Statements are to be kept at 10 minutes. Written comments may also be filed with the board secretary by Nov. 10 and captioned "Budget Briefing and Public Forum – Comment." Credit Union Times will provide full coverage of the briefing.