Chatham-Kent has launched the first phase of this year’s budget review public consultation with an online survey.
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The survey, at letstalkchatham-kent.ca/budget-2025-annual-updateis open until Oct. 14.
It features questions on the 2025 budget, asks respondents whether municipal spending should be increased or decreased. It also lets residents offer their own opinions and general comments.
Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor, council’s budget chairperson, believes public input is vital to the process.
“The survey and consultations are important tools for the community to provide feedback on their priorities,” he said Wednesday.
“The budget committee prioritizes this input when finalizing decision-making on a budget that must balance affordability and the quality of service provision.”
Survey results and public comments will go to Chatham-Kent council before budget committee begins its deliberations.
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Phase 2, the budget presentation to council on Nov. 13 at 6 pm, will air live on YourTV, and be shared on Facebook and YouTube. The draft budget will be available on the municipal website at that time.
Live community open house sessions on Facebook are set for Nov. 20 at noon and Nov. 21 at 7 pm
Phase 3, council budget deliberations, will be aired live on YourTV, and shared on Facebook and YouTube, on Nov. 26 and 27 at 6 pm If needed, further meetings are set for 6 pm on Nov. 28, Dec. 3 and 4 .
Citizens are encouraged to bring budget concerns to their councilors at any time by email or phone.
Chatham-Kent has adopted a multi-year budget process, to help create an integrated, long-term approach to align council’s strategic priorities to funding implementation plans.
“The implementation of multi-year budgets is not a one-time exercise, but one that must be reviewed and adopted annually through the annual budget updates,” the municipality said on its budget website.
“Switching to a multi-year budget provides the residents of Chatham-Kent with greater certainty of their future taxes along with the implementation timelines of council’s strategic plan.”
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