The City of Brantford’s Estimates Committee will begin deliberations for the City’s first multi-year budget (2024-2027), starting the week of January 8, 2024.
“In January 2024, the City’s Estimates Committee will consider difficult decisions about City services, programs and infrastructure as they deliberate the City’s first multi-year budget. The escalating costs associated with maintaining current service levels and essential infrastructure have placed an additional burden on the City’s financial considerations,” read a December 21, 2023 news release. “With 86% of the City budget allocated to programs and services that the City is mandated to provide, Council must meticulously balance taxation and service delivery levels, always mindful that these decisions significantly impact the community’s day-to-day lives.”
The City is asking for residents to provide their input regarding budget priorities through a variety of streams.
“Given that municipal budget decisions have a profound impact on Brantford residents, the City wants to hear from residents about what they think the City’s budget priorities should be and what programs and services are most important to them,” said the news release.
For those looking to help inform the budget development process, a public survey can be found here: https://letstalkbrantford.ca/budget-priorities/surveys/2023-city-budget-priorities-survey
Residents will also have the opportunity to act as a delegate during two Estimates Committee meetings throughout the month.
Those looking to express their input directly in front of councillors for items regarding City programs and services, can request to speak as a delegation during the Wednesday, January 10, 2024 Estimates Committee meeting which will run from 4:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
For residents who are interested in speaking on items related to local boards, including the Brantford Police Services, Brant County Health Unit, Brantford Public Library and the John Noble Home, they can register to request to speak as a delegation during the Monday, January 22, 2024 Estimate Committee meeting which will take place from 4:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
The City asks that residents submit a written request to appear as a delegation to the Clerk, no later than 9:00 a.m. on January 10 and January 22, and can do so by visiting: https://www.brantford.ca/en/your-government/speaking-at-a-council-meeting.aspx#Estimates-Committee-delegations
Requests should outline specific actions the delegate wants to take concerning budget items.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
