Residents have several opportunities to have their say as 2025 city budget deliberations get underway.
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City officials have developed an online survey that includes a series of open-ended questions to gather diverse perspectives on budget allocations and priorities. The feedback from residents will help guide decisions on any required changes to the multi-year budget.
The city’s budget deliberations take place during estimates committee meetings and residents have two opportunities to speak directing to councillors.
On Nov. 18 at 4:30 pm residents are invited to speak about services directly provided by the city including, among others, parks and recreation and infrastructure.
Residents on Nov. 20 at 4:30 pm have an opportunity to provide input on the services provided by local boards including, among others, Brantford Police Service. The police service is governed by a board which develops the police budget.
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The estimates committee welcomes input on budget items impacting the community. However, it does not address specific requests for municipal funding.
The city in 2023 initiated a multi-year budget process to help deal with the rising costs of maintaining service levels and to address infrastructure challenges. It aims to protect taxpayers from inflationary pressures through user fee increases and organizational efficiencies.
Meanwhile, the city has identified, as its priorities, housing affordability, support services and infrastructure to support future growth.
To complete the online survey visit letstalkbrantford.ca/2025citybudget.
To speak at the meetings visit www.brantford.ca/en/your-government/speaking-at-a-council-meeting.aspx.
For a complete schedule of estimated committee meeting dates, times and agendas will be available on the city’s website at www.brantford.ca/en/your-government/speaking-at-a-council-meeting.aspx.
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