One night of budget talks is in the books, but Chatham-Kent council members could still be in for a few more.
Thursday night's public meeting is set to run from 6pm to 10pm and there are two more sessions scheduled for next week.
One of the highlights from Wednesday's meeting for North Kent Councillor Joe Faas was getting approval for $20,000 to be spent on dressing up the Dresden Streetscape Park.
"The supports on the flowerbeds are deteriorating -- it's just a mess," says Faas. "It doesn't really have any benefit to that area."
The project was originally slated to receive $40,000 from the municipality in 2018, but members of the community wanted to have the park fixed up for Canada's 150th Anniversary, so they've committed to raising another $20,000 to match the municipal funds.
"What they'd like to do is change it into a nice oasis-type setting," says Faas. "Maybe have a water rock, some benches, and some nice shrubbery -- that type of thing."
Council also approved the police budget, which includes a small increase of just under 2%, but no service cuts.
Members of the public are welcome to show up to Thursday's meeting. Written and verbal presentations of up to five minutes are also welcome each evening, you just need to sign up at the door.
If you're hoping to make a presentation, you're encouraged to contact ckfps@chatham-kent.ca in advance.
