Local residents once again have the opportunity to use an online interactive process to share their thoughts on where and how their property tax dollars are spent.
At www.chatham-kent.ca/LetsTalk residents can have their say on the 2019 Chatham-Kent budget through a survey that allows them to express their thoughts on what services they deem important and whether spending should be increased or decreased in various areas.
Residents are asked to rank 22 separate services from very important to not important.
There is also a section asking if respondents would support an increase in user fees for municipal services where such fees provide primary source of revenue.
The survey concludes with an area in which residents can provide general comments.
All completed surveys will be provided to Chatham-Kent Council as part of efforts to provide councillors with public input prior to budget deliberations.
Gord Quinton, Chatham-Kent’s Director of Budget & Performance Services, said the online survey isn’t meant to take the place of public meetings.
“The online survey gives residents the opportunity to provide input at their convenience,” he said.
“Not everyone can attend public meetings, but we’d like everyone to have the opportunity to comment on the budget.”
Online surveys will be accepted until December 14, 2018.
Citizens are also encouraged to bring budget concerns to their Councillors throughout the year, or attend budget meetings in January and February.
Throughout the process, information will be posted to Chatham-Kent.ca/budget to inform citizens about the proposed budget and opportunities to participate.
On Wednesday January 16, 2019, Council will host its budget committee information opening night in Council Chambers, beginning at 6 p.m.
Community open houses will follow on Tuesday, January 22 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre and Tilbury Arena; on Wednesday, January 23 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Blenheim High School cafeteria and Wallaceburg Municipal Office; and Thursday, January 24 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Active Lifestyle Centre in Chatham.
Council budget committee deliberations will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. in Council Chambers, second floor of the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, starting January 30.
For budget updates or to join the conversation, follow the Municipality of Chatham-Kent on Facebook or Twitter #MunicCK
