Forum Findings

Thank you to everyone who was involved in reviewing or providing input into this year’s budget question: “What programs and/or services would you decrease to reduce the City’s overall operating budget in 2021?"

There was a balanced age representation of participants with 282 visitors to the project page and 35 contributors making 270 contributions. This summary information is intended to provide high-level, overall themes to general input. It is not statistically valid, and interpretation is discretionary. This information is one of many influencing factors in helping Council make decisions.

What we heard

The areas where there seemed to be the most consistent support included not funding the ACA and ensuring profitability of existing recreation centres before beginning the build of a new facility. Further, it was a consistent recommendation that the blue bag collection program be reduced to biweekly, photo radar expenses be eliminated, and ending subsidies and grants (except to small business) and the crosswalk concrete program.

Areas where feedback seemed somewhat divided included salary reductions, reducing operating budgets at the department level, and providing a zero per cent tax increase. There were also mixed opinions (although more in agreement than disagreement) with reducing funding for the library’s second branch and public art.

Suggestions that were not overly supported by other participants included de-funding the FCSS social programs and eliminating snow removal

What’s next?

Council began deliberations on November 24 and will continue December 1 and 3; they will then consider the proposed budget for approval at the December 21, 2020 Council meeting. For more information, please visit stalbert.ca/budget-2021.