THUNDER BAY — The City of Thunder Bay is getting an early start on preparations for its 2022 budget.
The city announced Tuesday that it is already looking for input from residents, through a pre-budget survey.
It can be found online https://getinvolvedthunderbay.ca/
The survey will also be printed in Thunder Bay Source this week.
It asks participants to rank the importance of various city services.
Councillor Mark Bentz, who chairs the administrative services committee, says "Each time you use a city service, whether it be garbage collection or enjoying a new recreation trail, those services are made possible by funding provided in the city budget."
Bentz added "The budget determines what your tax dollars will, and will not fund."
He said public feedback is important in setting a budget that reflects community needs.
City Treasurer Linda Evans, who also serves as general manager of Corporate Service and Long Term Care, said Thunder Bay is still feeling the financial impacts of the pandemic.
"City council has some tough decisions to make as we look to the year ahead. Feedback from residents will help them," Evans said.
Completed surveys can be submitted online, mailed to the city, or deposited at any Thunder Bay Public Library drop box by June 29.
Citizens may also tune in on June 22 when Bentz, Evans and City Manager Norm Gale participate along with other city department representatives in a virtual pre-budget town hall.
Questions may be submitted in advance to [email protected].
The city will provide other budget input opportunities after the draft 2022 budget is released in January 2022.
