For residents who want a say in how Chatham-Kent will spend taxpayers’ dollars, the 2020 budget process begins next week with meetings planned for community input.
According to a media release, the draft municipal budget will be presented to council Jan. 15, which marks the beginning of a three-week political review process that will include several opportunities for public comment.
Tabling of the 2020 budget to council will start at 6 p.m. in council chambers. The meeting will be broadcast live on YourTV as well as live streamed on YourTV Chatham-Kent’s YouTube channel and Facebook Live feed.
Time will be provided at the meeting to receive information from groups that may be requesting funding, and organizations wishing to comment on the municipal budget process.
There is an opportunity to schedule a deputation with council Jan. 15 by contacting Budget and Performance Services at 519-360-1998 or by e-mail at ckfps@chatham-kent.ca before Jan. 13.
Community meetings will begin on Jan. 21 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a brief presentation made at 5 p.m. at the Brunner Centre, 32 Wallace St. in Thamesville and at the Tilbury Arena in Ryder Hall, 49 Bond Ave. in Tilbury.
On Jan. 22, community meetings will be held at Blenheim High School cafeteria, 163 Chatham St. S. in Blenheim and at the Wallaceburg Municipal Office, 786 Dufferin Ave., Wallaceburg, with a brief presentation made at 5 p.m.
On Jan. 23, the meeting will be in Chatham from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Active Lifestyle Centre on 20 Merritt Ave., with a brief presentation at 5 p.m.
Budget committee deliberations are set to start Jan. 28, 29 and 30 (Feb. 4 and 5 if needed) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in council chambers.
These meetings will be broadcast live on YourTV as well as live streamed on YourTV Chatham-Kent’s YouTube channel and Facebook Live feed.
Written and verbal presentations of up to five minutes are welcome each evening, and residents can sign up at the door. Check the schedule posted on the 2020 budget website for updates on the timing for deputations. It is recommended residents contact ckfps@chatham-kent.ca in advance if you have a presentation.
Deputations on specific topics generating significant community interest will be scheduled and announced prior to the budget committee’s deliberations.
If you require a specific accommodation, contact the municipality 48 hours in advance at 519-360-1998 so staff can make these arrangements.
Residents unable to attend any of the sessions can send comments by e-mail to ckfps@chatham-kent.ca; mail to Budget & Performance Services, Municipality of Chatham-Kent, 315 King St. W., P.O. Box 640, Chatham, Ontario, N7M 5K8; or by phone to Budget & Performance Services at 519-360-1998.
