Town of Whitecourt holds annual Budget Information Open House, attendance remains low

 

The Town of Whitecourt regularly holds Open House events on various topics to allow residents the opportunity to voice concerns, ask questions, and get answers. On Wednesday, February 28 Mayor Maryann Chichak, several councillors, and heads of various departments were on hand in the fieldhouse at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre for the annual Budget Information Open House.

Mayor Chichak said that many of the questions she was hearing were relating to how the budget process works and what the capital plan is in comparison to the operating budget. She said that one of the ways that she explains it is by relating it to a household budget process. “How you would separate your capital investments versus your day-to-day operating expenses. I think it’s important that residents understand the basics of how we budget and that it’s really the same as you would budget at home, just on a larger scale.”

The 20-year Capital Plan was also a hot topic as residents asked why certain projects were on it and how the process works. Chichak explained that the plan is a living document. “Projects can move forward or back, or they can actually come off. It depends how time changes, how technology changes, and how your priorities change. So, this type of an information session is huge.” Chief Administrative Officer Peter Smyl agreed. “We’re trying to get different perspectives and different comments regarding the projects because these are all community projects and its something the community has to be proud of.”

One of the projects in the Capital Plan is the proposed Municipal Centre which was identified as a priority in 2008 after an Open House with community members and consultants from the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association. The very next year, an Arts Centre Facility Committee was appointed by council and a survey was conducted which showed strong support for the project.

Since 2009, countless steps have been taken including Open Houses, tours through other centres, and feasibility studies. Now, years later, Town Administration has a concept design that incorporates a new library and an arts and culture centre thanks to the information provided by the community. This fall, there will be more Open Houses for residents to discuss potential funding models and the design.

Mayor Chichak said the process is important. “It’s looking to make sure that you make the right decision and that you’ve looked at absolutely every option you have so that when the decision is made, its the right one for the long-term vision of the community.”

This year’s budget is $53,816,630. Of that, $38,130,700 is for the operating budget and $15,685,930 is for the capital budget. For every dollar of taxation that residents pay, .69 is allocated to municipal operations/projects, .29 is allocated to schools and .02 is allocated to the Lac Ste. Anne Foundation for senior housing. The number of violations issued for speeding has dropped 22 per cent in 2017 compared to 2016 and, of the tickets issued, 7.2 per cent were in school and playground zones. In total, the Town of Whitecourt collected $785,547 in fines from local automated traffic enforcement.

For those who couldn’t make it to the Open House but would still like an opportunity to see the numbers and ask questions, keep watch on the Town of Whitecourt Facebook page as the information boards that were displayed at the Open House will be put online for residents to see. “Always feel free to ask questions,” said Chichak. “There’s a lot of information available on our website, whitecourt.ca, and on our social media sites, as well, but the easiest way is to call us.” All phone numbers for administration and council are available on the website. “You can call, you can email us, or you can text us. There’s really no excuse to say that you can’t get hold of anybody.”

In previous years, the attendance at the Budget Information Open Houses has been less than desirable with only 16 attendees in 2016 and 42 in 2017. Council and administration hope to see these numbers increase and that residents will take advantage of the opportunity to speak up before projects are finalized. “As an elected official, I find it very disappointing because I would love to see more of an interest from the community. We want your input,” she said.

With two town council meetings a month, there is no less than two opportunities to be heard by council on any questions you may have. “There is always a public input session during those meetings where residents and business owners can come and present their concerns and ask questions.” Mayor Chichak added that not many people attend the meetings nor take the opportunity to speak.

“My challenge to residents is to challenge us back. We might not always agree, and that’s okay, but as long you understand the process that we go through to get to that decision and that your input has been recognized or your question has been acknowledged and an answer has been given, I think that’s really important,” said Chichak.