The city of Bend is continuing its series of free workshops dedicate to teaching citizens about how local government works and how taxpayer dollars are spent.

Called the “Bend 101” citizen academy, meetings cover topics from the city’s budget to public safety and community development.

The next meeting is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 26 and will focus on Bend’s police department and fire and rescue. Another meeting, scheduled for May 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., will cover the city’s public works and community development departments.

Both meetings will be hosted at Bend City Hall, 710 N.W. Wall St., and registration is required. To make a reservation, call 541-388-5516 or e-mail Communications Manager Justin Finestone at jfinestone@ci.bend.or.us.

For more information on “Bend 101” go to www.ci.bend .or.us/bend_101.html.

— From staff reports