The five public budget sessions held throughout Chatham-Kent last week attracted 63 residents and provided municipal officials insight into the mood of the public heading into budget deliberations.
Budget chair councillor Derek Robertson said infrastructure spending was the most talked-about issue with public sentiment split on investing in the community.
“We know we’re not going to please everyone, but we are moving to address the issue because it’s one which won’t go away.”
Robertson said the timing, number and formats of public input sessions are evaluated each year with the aim of making them productive for all concerned.
The Chatham meeting was attended by 25 residents, Blenheim drew 11, Thamesville 10, Wallaceburg nine and Tilbury eight.
Public input is still welcome at the budget sessions beginning next week.
Budget committee deliberations will be held February 1, 2, 7 and 8.
These meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, 315 King Street West, Chatham.
Time will be made available for anyone wishing to make a presentation on budget issues at the budget deliberation meetings.
Individual presentations will be limited to five minutes and citizens/groups wishing to make a presentation are asked to sign up at the door when arriving at one of the above meetings.
