Chatham-Kent’s draft budget consultations wrapped up on Thursday, with discussions about infrastructure, housing and downtown revitalization.
About 40 people were in attendance for the final session, which took place in Chatham at the Active Lifestyle Centre. Open houses were also held at various other locations throughout the municipality this past week.
Budget deliberations are slated for council chambers next week.
Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor, budget chair, said the sessions have seen a boost in turnout compared to previous years.
He added he’s been hearing similar issues that were raised during last fall’s municipal election.
“The messaging was very consistent,” McGregor said.
Earlier this month, administration presented a budget with a tax hike in the range of 1.7-2.03 per cent. The range was to compensate for uncertainty with provincial funding this year.
McGregor stressed the proposed tax hike wasn’t the final figure.
“We’ll be making those decisions in the coming weeks,” he said. “There’s some other opportunities for public input as well.”
Last year’s municipal revenues were $317 million. The draft budget includes a one-per-cent increase in annual infrastructure funding; additional $550,000 for bridges; additional ambulance shift funding; and other previous council decisions.
Chief administrative officer Don Shropshire called it key for any budget to have the ability to respond to a crisis, or opportunities that might arise.
“If you have some resiliency built into your planning it allows you to do that,” he said.
One of the concerns raised on Thursday included arena upkeep, in particular Chatham Memorial Arena.
Shropshire said public engagement will take place this year concerning arena needs, as well as looking into the feasibility of a new facility.
Other issues touched by the gathering were public transit, the need for better transitional housing, and youth drug prevention programs.
Budget committee deliberations take place Jan. 30, 31 and Feb. 5 (Feb. 6 and 7 if needed), from 6-10 p.m.
Written and verbal presentations of up to five minutes are welcome each evening; sign up at the door. Check the schedule posted on the 2019 budget website for updates on the timing for deputations. Contact ckfps@chatham-kent.ca in advance if you have a presentation.
If you require a specific accommodation, contact the municipality 48 hours in advance at 519-360-1998 so they can make arrangements.
If you are unable to attend any of the budget sessions, comments can also be made through ckfps@chatham-kent.ca, or by mailing Budget & Performance Services, Municipality of Chatham-Kent, 315 King St. W., P.O. Box 640, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8.
Input can also be given to Budget & Performance Services at 519-360-1998.
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