Ponoka’s town council wants input from the residents of the community as they enter budget planning for 2023.
In order to facilitate dialogue, residents will be able to have their say a couple of different ways.
First, the town will be hosting a Coffee with Council event on Sept. 12 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the community market located at 5110 48 Ave.
Citizens are invited to ask questions and share ideas on the budget with members of council, similar to the coffee event that was held at the Ponoka Farmers Market in August.
The second way the town will be seeking feedback is through an online and in print survey. The survey can be found online at www.letstalkponoka.ca, and is part of an online budget open house which gives residents the opportunity to learn more about how budgets are planned and taxes are determined.
Resident’s wishing to fill out the survey on the website will need to register online by providing their email and postal code.
Paper copies of the survey will be available for pick up at the Coffee with Council and for pick up and drop off at the town office, the Ponoka Aquaplex, and the arena. Completed survey’s can also be mailed to the town at #200, 5604-50 St. Ponoka, AB, T4J1G5.
Survey’s will remain available until 9 a.m. on Sept. 19.
Beginning Aug. 31, the Town of Ponoka is also conducting a telephone satisfaction survey where residents will be asked their views on topics like community quality of life, municipal service satisfaction and priorities they would like council to move forward on.
The telephone survey’s will be conducted by professional research firm, Advanis, showing a “Town of Ponoka” caller identification display.
Wants all the feedback is collected, council will hold budget deliberations on Nov. 1 and 2 on the third floor of the Ponoka Civic Centre in chambers. Budget deliberations will be open to the public.
“The annual public consultation process on the Town Budget is an important part of the Town’s ongoing commitment to inviting public participation in Council decision-making processes. Inviting public input allows Town Council to make more informed and thoughtful decisions that reflect what residents value most,” said Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson.