Town of Bonnyville council is throwing open their doors to the public to discuss the proposed 2019 budgets.
On Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m., they will be hosting an open house at town hall for residents to come, ask questions, and share their comments about the 2019 operating and capital draft budgets.
"It's all about the public. It's their opportunity to take a look at the budget we've developed so far, ask questions, and provide commentary back as to their opinions," explained Mayor Gene Sobolewski.
The town will go over both budgets in detail, outlining the projects and changes that have been included.
Council will pass the second draft of the budgets at their Nov. 27 regular meeting, which will then be presented to the public during the open house.
Director of finance, Renee Stoyles, encouraged residents attend to get informed about the proposed adjustments by participating in the budget process.
"If they have any questions, this is a chance to make changes for us prior to our interim budget being passed next month," she noted, adding interim budgets must be approved before Dec. 31.
Administration will take concerns raised during the open house to their management team, and will consider making amendments before presenting the budgets to council.
Sobolewski noted the town hosts the event annually to communicate council's thoughts on the topic.
"It's all about transparency, and being able to provide the information, to lay it out for everybody to say 'this is what we're thinking, this is what we think next year will look like.' It's a good opportunity to dialogue back and forth," he detailed.
While there hasn't been a huge outpouring of feedback in the past, Sobolewski believes it's because residents have faith in council.
"I would love for people to show interest, but as a lot of folks have said, they think we're doing a fairly good job or there's a lack of interest. Bottom line for a lot of residents and rate payers is there is a direct impact in terms of the taxation and where the town is spending its money, where the town has looked at, and it's priorities for the upcoming year," he detailed.
Projects included in the 2019 budgets are the regional waterline, the advancement of an aquatics centre, and a new arts facility.
To balance the operating budget, there's a proposed two per cent tax increase, decreasing the amount of charitable donations to community events and organizations, and moving the town census to 2020.
Council encouraged residents to take advantage of the open house.
"My hope is that people come in, they'll have questions, they'll have an open mind as to where we're going and perhaps be able to provide some feedback on their thoughts and opinions," Sobolewski said.
While there hasn’t been a huge outpouring of feedback in the past, Sobolewski believes it’s because residents have faith in council.
“I would love for people to show interest, but as a lot of folks have said, they think we’re doing a fairly good job or there’s a lack of interest. Bottom line for a lot of residents and rate payers is there is a direct impact in terms of the taxation and where the town is spending its money, where the town has looked at, and its priorities for the upcoming year,” he detailed.
Projects included in the 2019 budgets are the regional waterline, the advancement of an aquatics centre, and a new arts facility.
To balance the operating budget, there’s a proposed two per cent tax increase, decreasing the amount of charitable donations to community events and organizations, and moving the town census to 2020.
Council encouraged residents to take advantage of the open house.
“My hope is that people come in, they’ll have questions, they’ll have an open mind as to where we’re going and perhaps be able to provide some feedback on their thoughts and opinions,” Sobolewski said.
