With Chatham-Kent budget deliberations only a few months away, residents are being invited by the municipality to share give their opinion on how their property tax dollars are spent.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has launched this year's online survey for the 2023 budget through the Let's Talk Chatham-Kent website.
According to municipal officials, the survey is comprised of a number of wide-ranging questions and encourages residents to express their thoughts on what services they deem important and whether spending should be increased or decreased. Residents will also have the opportunity to provide general comments.
The survey results and public comments will be used by administration in the development of the budget and will be provided to Chatham-Kent council prior to deliberations.
Chatham-Kent’s Director of Budget and Performance Services Steve Brown said the survey gives residents a chance to provide input at their convenience. However, he said completing the survey doesn’t preclude residents from voicing their opinions later as well.
"The more information we have and the earlier we have it, the better we can understand the needs of the community,” Brown said.
The online survey will be open until October 31 and can be accessed by clicking here.
According to Brown, citizens are also encouraged to bring budget concerns to their councillors at any time through email or by phone.
On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, council will host its Budget Committee Opening Night Meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Following that meeting, community consultations are set for January 18 at 12 p.m. and January 19 at 7 p.m. More information on how the public can access the meetings will be provided by the municipality at a later date, once the format is finalized.
Budget committee deliberations will be held at 6 p.m. on January 25, 26 and 31 with contingency dates on February 1 and 2 if needed.
