Low public input at Budget Public Input Session

 

On Monday, October 1, council held a special early meeting at the Forest Interpretive Centre for the first of several budget-themed meetings with administration. The meeting went over the preliminary budget and gave council the opportunity to ask questions of directors concerning all the items that will make up the 2019 budget. Prior to delving into budget talks, administration spoke about the public’s role in the process.

The floor was open to members of the public who wanted to address them on any issues, but none were brought forward. A Budget Public Input Session was held during the September 24 regular meeting and for those who couldn’t attend, written submissions were accepted until September 19. All those submissions were then discussed.

Given that the budget affects all ratepayers in the community it was very unfortunate to see that only five individuals brought forward comments or concerns to council through both methods of communication. Some of the issues raised by the five individuals included a request for barriers to ensure ATVs and snowmobiles use designated ditches to leave town, a need for speed control for traffic on Leedy Drive and Flats Road, that council consider the impacts of minimum wage on small business operations when determining the 2019 tax rates, and that council proceed with the development of the proposed Arts & Culture Centre.

One submission spoke of the need for low income housing and a suggestion that the town encourage another developer to construct a seniors housing complex. Two submissions spoke of the need to attract more businesses downtown rather than doing exterior enhancements to buildings and the same two submissions also questioned the need for the municipal centre with one suggesting renovations or expansions of present buildings be done instead.

This is the second year that council has held a Budget Public Input Session and, as it was suggested last year, administration recommended that each submission receive a letter to personally address their concerns or comments once the interim budget has been officially adopted. Those who missed out on the opportunity to speak will have multiple opportunities to do so in the future. Public input is allowed for a brief time ahead of each weekly council meeting and the contact information for each councillor and director can be found on the town website at www.whitecourt.ca.

Council will also hold its annual Budget Open House prior to adopting the final 2019 budget. This event will provide the complete breakdown of how taxpayer money is being spent. One interesting fact is that only $13 million of the $55 million budget (capital and operating) comes from taxation. The majority is covered by provincial and federal grants with the rest coming from partnerships with Woodlands County, fines, and fees.

Residents are encouraged to play an active part in the budgetary process and to be informed on where money is being spent. “Everybody does have a say in each of our budgets that come up. Some might find it really boring, but it gives us the parameters for how our town will be run in the upcoming year and actually for years to come,” explained Mayor Chichak.

“We are looking for input and ideas. Our doors are always open whether it’s in person, on the phone, or through email, however anyone feels comfortable. We always love to hear from you. The budgeting documents are one of the most important ones that we work on. If you own a house or a business or you own property in this community and you’re paying taxes, then you have a voice.”