Budget process includes community engagement opportunity

Chilliwack residents who want to provide input into the city budget considerations for 2019 have a short window to do so.

“The 2019-2028 Financial Plan process is underway,” according to the City of Chilliwack webpage on the budget.

To offer feedback on spending priorities, citizens can respond to an online financial plan survey by the newly pushed back deadline of Dec. 21. The link is provided below.

This year’s budgeting process started with a review of key areas of city operations, identifying service pressures, emerging needs or changing fac

tors since the adoption of the last financial plan.

“The City is, again, providing the online Community Engagement survey and is seeking input from the community,” according to the budget page. “The responses will provide Council with input, from the community, on areas for consideration in the development of the City’s 2019 Financial Plan.”

Council has to “balance and prioritize” the needs of the city while considering “a reasonable tax levy” for its residents.

“Your responses (to the survey) will provide Council with information on current community priorities, which services you consider most valuable and other financial planning considerations.”

The questionnaire can be submitted until Friday, Dec. 21 at 4:30 p.m. online — or in hard copy.

Hard copies can be picked up from, and returned to, the Finance Department at City Hall.

The survey is found at http://chilliwack.citizenbudget.com.

Drop-off surveys at the finance department, 8550 Young Rd. Chilliwack B.C.

READ MORE: Longer public engagement