Mayor urges residents to attend city budget/financial plan unveiling
By Castlegar Source
The City of Castlegar is announcing a public meeting to unveil the 2016 budget and the 2016-2020 five-year financial plan – and the mayor is strongly urging residents to attend.
The city’s financial plan includes decisions about general operations, water utility, sewer utility, airport operations and a new proposal to create a storm water program. It includes determinations regarding taxation, utility rates, and service levels provided to the community as well as information on the city’s proposed capital improvement program for the years to come.
The city seeks your input and your submissions at a public, open house, meeting on Tuesday, April 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. (presentation at 6 p.m.) in the Community Forum at 445 13th Ave. (right beside City Hall).
If you as an individual, or your organization, would like to make budget submissions to city council, or if you wish to receive further information, please contact the City of Castlegar at (250) 365-7227 or by e-mail at awbuss@castlegar.ca
“I think it’s important to attend so you can understand what we’re trying to accomplish. It’s been a hard struggle this year, but we’ve come up with the best possible options,” said Mayor (and Finance Committee member) Lawrence Chernoff, adding that at this point, the budget is still flexible and council is happy to hear what changes and/or tweaks residents want.
“It still gives you an opportunity to provide input into the budget and tell us what you’d like to see that’s not there today – it allows you to have your voice. It’s not a done deal by any stretch,” Chernoff said. “We always stress the importance of this – it’s how you understand what decisions were made and have your say in the final product.”
