Somerville aldermen are looking at dismal financial forecasts and trying to get a head start on future budget issues.

Ward 5 Alderman Sean O’Donovan submitted an order at Thursday’s meeting that aldermen begin budget discussions almost one year early to prepare for possible state cuts, contract negotiations and potential shortfalls in state aid.

Alderman-at-Large Bill White said an early start is a good idea. “Last year at a public hearing, a young girl cried over library cuts we were eventually able to restore,” he said. “It would be better to not have people surprised at a budget meeting.”