Ponoka residents are being invited to give their input and ideas on the 2022 Town of Ponoka budget.
The town is hosting two Coffee with Council events over the coming weeks where citizens will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their ideas on the budget with members of town council.
These Coffee with Council events will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ponoka Farmers Market and Thursday, Sept. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. as part of a grand opening celebration of the Old Hospital Rotary Park.
This event will include a free community barbecue. More details will be announced as the date approaches.
Citizen Input Survey and online budget open house
The town is also encouraging citizens to fill out the Citizen Input Survey, which asks 10 questions and invites residents to share their thoughts and suggestions on matters such as key factors that contribute to the quality of life in Ponoka and the top three priorities they think are important for town council to consider in the upcoming budget.
The Citizen Input Survey is available online at www.ponoka.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 property taxes are determined and where funds are allocated.
Paper copies of survey available
Paper copies of the online budget open house and the Citizen Input Survey will also be available at the Coffee with Council events on Aug. 25 and Sept. 9.
Copies are also available for pick-up and drop-off at the town office (200, 5604 50 St.), the Ponoka Jubilee Library (5604 50 St.) and the Ponoka Aquaplex (5315 46 Ave.). Completed surveys can be mailed to the Town of Ponoka at #200, 5604-50 St, Ponoka, AB, T4J 1G5.
The Citizen Input Survey will remain open to public input at these locations and online until 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 10.
Public consultation is a key part of the budget planning process
“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 Rick Bonnett.
Citizen input on the budget that is collected from the Citizen Input Survey and from public feedback received during the Coffee with Council events will be summarized and presented to town council for careful review and consideration during the 2022 budget deliberation process.
Town council budget deliberations will be held on Sept. 29, 2021 in 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.
- Submitted by the Town of Ponoka