The 2020 budget deliberations begin this evening at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre.
Staff is currently proposing a 4.99% tax increase with this year’s budget. More details, here.
Feedback from residents attending last week’s municipal budget information sessions is being praised by municipal staff and Mayor Darrin Canniff.
More than 100 residents attended meetings held in Thamesville, Tilbury, Wallaceburg, Blenheim and Chatham, providing input on municipal spending and services.
“It’s important that council and staff receive the kind of first-hand information for use during the budget process,” Mayor Canniff said in a press release.
“Hearing from residents directly is the most effective way to let us know the mood of the community. I’d like to thank those people who took the time to participate.”
Don Shropshire, Chatham-Kent’s Chief Administrative Officer, said that in the past, residents’ views on items such as infrastructure spending have helped shape council decisions.
“The views of residents assist council to strike the right balance in determining service levels and cost to residents,” he said.
Steve Brown, Director of Budget and Performance Services, said it is the job of municipal staff to supply council with as much information as possible to make the decision-making process more effective.
“Listening to residents’ comments is vitally important,” Brown said in a press release.
“Councillors need and want to know as much as possible. We’re grateful to those people who actively participate in making this process work.”
Members of the public will have additional opportunity to participate in the process this week.
Council is holding formal budget committee deliberations January 28, 29 and 30 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in council chambers.
These meetings will be broadcast live on YourTV as well as live streamed on YourTV Chatham-Kent’s YouTube channel and Facebook Live feed.
Written and verbal presentations of up to five minutes are welcome each evening; please sign up at the door.
Check the schedule posted on our 2020 budget website for updates on the timing for deputations.
Staff recommends that you contact ckfps@chatham-kent.ca in advance if you have a presentation.
Deputations on specific topics generating significant community interest will be scheduled and announced prior to the Budget Committee’s deliberations.
If you require a specific accommodation, please contact the municipality 48 hours in advance at 519-360-1998.
If you are unable to attend any of the sessions, your comments can also be made by
Email to ckfps@chatham-kent.ca
Mail to Budget & Performance Services, Municipality of Chatham-Kent, 315 King St. W., P.O. Box 640, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8
Telephone to Budget & Performance Services at 519-360-1998
If needed, additional sessions will be scheduled February 4 and 5.
