CBS councillors taking budget preparations to the street

By Craig Westcott
September 29, 2023 Edition

Now that Covid is no longer the dire threat it was during the peak waves of 2020 and 2021 and people are out and about again, CBS council is hoping to resume face to face consultations with the public about the budget.

“We’ve already started work on Budget 2024 and as part of that process we remain very interested in hearing from residents,” said councillor-at-large Joshua Barrett. “To do that we have our online survey again posted and that’s active until October 4. Every municipality does similar things, but I think we really have a great online tool when it comes identifying priorities for your budget, it accounts for your current property tax, and if you want more services and how that impacts your property tax, and these things… So, I would encourage folks, if you are interested in having a say, to please consider filling out that survey.”

In addition, Bartlett said, council is planning to take the consultation efforts to residents, so to speak, at a number of public events scheduled in October, including the Seniors Expo and Savour CBS where people will have a chance to share their thoughts on the Town’s spending priorities and tax policies in addition to taking in the usual attractions at those events.

“So please feel free to come up and chat about the budget through those avenues,” Bartlett added.

Mayor Darrin Bent said the goal is to get as many people involved as possible.