Montpelier — Instead of holding public hearings, the Scott administration has chosen to seek public input on the budget through digital platforms this year.

Commissioner of Finance Adam Greshin said the administration’s approach is designed to improve public participation.

“Instead of asking people to conform to our schedule, we’re asking them to conform to whatever schedule works for them,” Greshin said.

In addition to the online survey, the administration has created a special web page where residents can submit written comments directly to the governor’s office.

Washington County Sen. Anthony Pollina said the online survey doesn’t offer a meaningful mechanism for residents to weigh in.

“The fact is that a survey … is a really poor substitute for a public participation process,” Pollina said.

The public may yet get an opportunity to weigh in on the budget in person. Danville Rep. Kitty Toll, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, said her committee might hold public hearings on the budget in communities around the state early next year.