Ponoka residents invited to have their say on Budget 2018

Ponoka residents are invited to give their thoughts on the Town’s 2818 budget…

Citizen Budget Survey Available Until October 1

(August 23, 2017 – Ponoka, Alberta) – The Town of Ponoka wants to hear from local residents on what they feel is most important for the Town to consider as it begins the 2018 budget consultation and planning process.

Citizen Budget Survey Available Until October 1

The Town has launched its third annual Citizen Budget Survey giving residents an opportunity to have their say on the 2018 Budget. The survey asks 10 questions that provide residents an opportunity to offer opinions and input on matters such as key priorities they would like to see addressed by Town Council in the upcoming budget, and how they would like to see tax dollars allocated.

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Budget Open House Sept. 13

The Town is also inviting the public to a Budget Open House on Wednesday, September 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Kinsmen Community Centre. The Open House gives residents an opportunity to ask members of Town Administration and Council questions about the budget planning process, to share ideas and input on the upcoming budget, to learn more about the budget process, how property taxes are determined, and what legislative requirements must be met by municipal budgets each year.
Public Input Helps Guide Budget Planning

“This Citizen Budget Survey and the Budget Open House are about listening to what residents feel is most important as the Town gets ready to sit down and determine the 2018 Budget,” says Town of Ponoka Chief Administrative Officer Albert Flootman. “Inviting public input allows Town Administration and Council to make more informed and thoughtful decisions that reflect what residents value most when it comes to Town services and future planning,” says Flootman.

Last Year’s Survey Results

For example, in last year’s Budget Survey, the top priority that residents asked the Town to address was Recreation (including the Arena, Pool, parks, trails, and maintenance of those facilities). In the 2017 Budget, the Town invested in the maintenance and renewal of recreational facilities with extensive upgrades to the Aquaplex, including a new roof to be installed over the pool this fall. Extensive work was also done at the Arena, including upgrades to the ice plant, and a water and sanitary sewer line replacement. Town Council also approved a Preliminary Design for a new recreation complex in 2017, which ensures the Town is positioned and ready to apply for senior government grant funding as it becomes available. The input provided by residents in this year’s Citizen Budget Survey and at the upcoming Budget Open House will be shared with the new Town Council that is elected this fall for their review and consideration during the 2018 budget deliberation process. It will also be shared with the public.

Citizen Budget Survey Available on Town Website and at Town Buildings

Copies of the Citizen Budget Survey will be available at the Town Office, the Ponoka Visitor Information Centre, the Ponoka Aquaplex, the Arena, and on the Town website at www.ponoka.ca until October 1. Drop boxes for completed surveys will be available at those locations.