Ponoka residents will have the chance to voice their preferences on the town’s budget.
The Town of Ponoka is starting off the 2019 budget cycle with a public consultation survey, available on the its website — www.ponoka.ca. The survey will remain open for comment until Oct. 4.
The pre-budget survey includes 12 questions that focus on items from what people believe should be the town’s top three priority areas to how the budget should help address the community’s quality of life.
“Our annual public consultation process on the budget is an important part of the town’s ongoing commitment to inviting public participation in Council decision-making processes,” stated Mayor Rick Bonnett in a press release.
“Inviting public input allows council to make more informed and thoughtful decisions that reflect what residents value most.”
The town will also be hosting a drop-in open house from 3 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the Kinsmen Community Centre on the upcoming budget.
The idea is that the casual atmosphere will further engage and connect with residents in order to hear any ideas or suggestions. Staff will also be available to answer any questions about the budget process, current priorities and how property taxes are determined among other things.
All members of the public are also invited to attend council’s deliberations on the 2019 budget, that have been scheduled for Nov. 21 and 22 at a space yet to be determined.
Public input gathered from the consultation process will become part of council’s deliberation and review. A summary of that consultation will also be provided to the public.
Hard copies of the community input survey are also available at the town office, the Ponoka Visitor Information Centre, the Aquaplex and the Ponoka Jubilee Library. Completed surveys can also be dropped off at any of these locations.
