It may seem a little early to think about municipal budgets, but the Town of Essex wants residents and business owners to start.
It's launched an online draft budget tool those living in Essex can use to create their own spending plan for capital initiatives they think are essential for the town's growth and prosperity. It offers a unique opportunity to be part of the decision-making process.
"Community engagement is a top priority for us, and we're thrilled to provide the opportunity for residents to actively contribute to our town's future," said Mayor Sherry Bondy.
Common themes identified through engagement will help town administration and councillors establish the budget for 2025.
"Your feedback will play an important part in the budget process," added Bondy.
Each municipality faces many budgetary challenges, including inflation, maintaining a high level of service, and balancing quality of life. Under the Municipal Act, they must balance the books each year.
Residents will have input on categories like sidewalks and trails, arts, culture and tourism, climate action, emergency response and preparedness, and flood prevention.
They can also make their own suggestions.
The categories are curated to address the community's specific needs. Essex is responsible for maintaining more than 324 km of roads, 97 bridges and culverts, 94 km of stormwater mains, 328 km of water mains, and 100 km of wastewater mains. Each is assigned a specific cost.
The deadline to submit feedback is August 31, and councillors will begin work on the budget later this year.
