City Launches Interactive, Online Tool for Public Input on 2017 Budget 

Sep 14, 2016

For Immediate Release             
Wednesday, September 14, 2016

City Launches Interactive, Online Tool for Public Input on 2017 Budget 

The City of Greater Sudbury has a new, interactive budget balancing tool which allows residents to prioritize where and how they want their tax dollars spent in 2017. 

This year’s new public input process makes it easier and more convenient for residents to become engaged in the budget development by using a simple, online platform to submit their comments. This technology not only allows residents to provide their feedback, but provides important education on the municipal budget process and the impact that changes in services have on property taxes. 

Residents can submit their comments using the budget balancing tool by visiting www.greatersudbury.ca/budgetinput until Friday, October 21, at 4:30 p.m. 

Citizens who do not have access to a computer or internet services are encouraged to visit one of the 13 library locations to access these services free of charge. For branch locations and hours of operation, please visit www.sudburylibraries.ca. Paper copies are also available at Citizen Service Centre and Library locations throughout the city, or available to print at www.greatersudbury.ca/budget

“Open, transparent government, and fiscal responsibility are priorities of this Council,” said Finance and Administration Committee Chair and Ward 7 Councillor Mike Jakubo. “I am excited to introduce the new online budget tool to residents. I encourage everyone to share the information with friends, family and networks to engage as many residents as possible in this important process. These are your tax dollars. Tell us where your priorities lie in 2017.”

The online tool asks a series of questions about increasing, decreasing or maintaining property tax funding to several core city services. Participants adjust these numbers based on what’s important to them, all the while having to balance the $528 million budget, and staying within the 3.6 per cent proposed property tax increase approved by City Council.

“Council provided clear directions to staff regarding its expectations for the 2017 Budget,” said City of Greater Sudbury Chief Administrative Officer Ed Archer. “Municipal services have a big impact on citizens’ everyday lives, and we recognize the responsibility we have for delivering reliable, affordable services. The budget helps define the services and service levels we will provide, which is why it’s so important to hear from citizens about what’s important to them.”

The results of the submissions will be shared with City Council and with the public as part of the 2017 budget process, which is expected to wrap up in December 2016.Check out www.greatersudbury.ca/budget for more information, including a schedule of budget deliberations. 

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