There are several ways Ponoka residents can give their input on the 2024 Town of Ponoka budget, through in-person meet-and-greets with council and online opportunities to give feedback.
“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,” said Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson in a release.
“Inviting public input allows town council to make more informed and thoughtful decisions that reflect what residents value most.”
The town is hosting two “Coffee with Council” events where citizens will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their ideas on the town’s annual budget with members of council.
These events will be held on:
• July 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ponoka Farmers Market (3911 Highway 2A at the Ponoka Legion); and
• Aug. 21 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Ponoka Community Market (5110 48 Avenue at the Old Library Building).
The town is also encouraging citizens to fill out the Citizen Input Survey, which invites residents to share their thoughts and suggestions on matters such as the top priorities they think are important for town council to consider in the upcoming budget.
The survey is available online at www.LetsTalkPonoka.ca as part of a virtual Budget Open House being hosted by the town.
The online Open House will give residents the opportunity to learn more about the Budget planning process, how funds are allocated, and answers frequently asked questions about the budget.
Let’s Talk Ponoka is the Town of Ponoka’s online public engagement site where you can find updates and share your ideas on various Town projects and initiatives to help guide decision making. To participate in the online Citizen Input Survey, citizens will be asked to register for the site by providing their email and postal code.
Paper copies of the Online Budget Open House and the Citizen Input Survey will be available at the Coffee with Council events on July 26 and Aug 21.
Copies are also available at the town office (200, 5604-50 St.), the Ponoka Aquaplex (5315 46 Ave.) and the Ponoka Arena Complex (4410 54 St.) during regular business hours.
Completed surveys can also be mailed to the Town of Ponoka at 200, 5604-50 St, Ponoka, AB, T4J 1G5 or dropped in the drop box located just inside the west doors of the Ponoka Civic Centre.
The Citizen Input Survey will remain open to public input at these locations and online until Sept. 10.
Citizen input that is collected from the survey and from public feedback received during the Coffee with Council events will be summarized and presented to town council for review and consideration during the 2024 budget deliberation process.
Budget deliberations will be held on Nov. 1 and 2, in town council chambers on the third floor of the Ponoka Civic Centre. Budget deliberations are open to the public.
A summary of the citizen input received will also be shared with the public.
