THUNDER BAY — Now that the 2025 proposed operating budget is available, the city is looking for residents to share their opinions.
“When it comes down to it, the city is here for its residents, and we need to hear your feedback so that we know we're on the right path," said Keri Greaves, commissioner of corporate services and city treasurer.
The proposed tax levy increase is set at 3.7 per cent, a single decimal point below the city’s mandated 3.8 per cent. This represents a $7.8 million increase in tax revenue, before growth, bringing the tax levy-supported portion of the proposed budget to $217.4 million.
The total operating budget would be $448.8 million.
The public can access the budget and take a short survey on the city’s website. The survey will be open until Feb. 4.
An in-person public engagement session in planned for this Wednesday (Jan. 22) from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m at the Italian Cultural Centre.
Members of administration from all divisions will be there to answer questions about the 2025 proposed operating budget, said Greaves.
“We're hoping for a strong public turnout. A community that is fully engaged makes for stronger decisions,” he told Newswatch.
"This Q&A event is a great way to have two-way communication."
Using public opinion is an important step for administration to gauge the desires of the public while also ensuring that the corporation is fiscally responsible, said Greaves. However, the the city is seeing less and less engagement from the public lately.
“Community engagement across all municipalities, it's not a science. We have to find the right mix to reach people, and we're not there yet,” said Greaves.
Greaves noted a budget survey that was released in May had a low turnout and staff have been trying to improve their public engagement strategies.
For example, both the approved 2025 capital budget and the proposed 2025 operating budget have been completely revamped over previous years.
“In previous years, there was a lot of spreadsheets and for the average person tuning into municipal politics it's overwhelming, said Greaves."
"So what we try to do this year is make the document more approachable, more readable, to help touch those people who were maybe not wanting to spend the hours poring over tables and figures.
"Where they can actually pick it up and over the first 15 pages with not even that many numbers but understand what's happening in the community and where the tax dollars are going and the impact on them through the budget."
The proposed budget will be put to council on Jan. 28 for a first reading. Council then have three meetings to debate the budget, on Jan 30., Feb. 3, and Feb 5.
Budget ratification is set for Feb 10.
“Council will receive regular updates throughout the process, and a final report will be provided prior to budget ratification, so that council hears what the public is saying. So please get involved and thank you,” said Greaves.
