City of Powell River launches Citizen Budget

City of Powell River has launched its annual budget survey where taxpayers can show city council where they want their tax dollars spent.

According to a media release from the city, information collected will be reported to the finance committee, as city council proceeds through the budget process to develop the 2022-2026 five-year financial plan. 

This is the sixth year the city has used an online simulation to help city council make tough choices to balance the budget, the release stated. The survey is simple and easy, allowing the user to say what services should be cut and where more money should be spent.

“Community engagement is integral to our budgeting process,” stated finance supervisor Ryan Youngman. “City council takes the survey results seriously in making decisions on what services and programs matter to people and how their tax dollars will be spent. We want to ensure our residents and businesses are involved with the budget process to help prioritize the city’s spending.”

The survey has provided valuable feedback from residents, while increasing awareness and understanding among taxpayers about the budget, taxation processes and financial operations of the city, and council has found comments from residents to be useful, according to the release.

The budget survey is available at powellriver.ca. Submissions will be closed on Sunday, January 16, 2022. Print copies are available at city hall, Powell River Public Library and Powell River Recreation Complex.