Another online survey has been launched by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to gather more public input regarding the 2024-2027 municipal budget.
Residents can answer several questions related to the recommended changes in the draft budget and leave comments surrounding various issues, such as a proposed tax hike to keep the homeless shelter open beyond 2025 when the reserve funding is expected to run out, potential changes to summer camp funding, goals for affordable rental housing, and hiring more firefighters and paramedics.
Director of Budget and Performance Services Steve Brown said the online survey gives residents more convenience and he hopes to reach a wider audience.
“Using the survey means someone doesn’t have to commit to attending budget deliberations to take part in the conversation,” Brown said. “We want to provide everyone with a chance for their voice to be heard.”
Brown emphasized residents can voice their opinions later as well.
“Even if residents complete the survey they will be welcome to deliver a deputation to the Budget Committee during the first night of budget deliberations on November 28 [2023],” he said.
Council will get the survey results before budget deliberations in order to help guide them during the decision-making process.
The municipal budget includes Operating and Capital Budgets to address programs, services, asset management, infrastructure, Council objectives and more.
The online survey will be open until October 19, 2023 and can be completed here.
The draft budget was prepared over the past three months and will come back to Council for an annual update, according to the municipality.
Citizens are also encouraged to bring budget concerns to their councillors at any time through email or by phone.
