Residents offered a say in municipal priorities

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Published on Thursday, February 25, 2016

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

A pre-budget consultation, set for Monday, Feb. 29, will allow Neepawa taxpayers to have their say on what the spending priorities should be in the 2016 municipal budget.  Councillor and chair of the Finance and Administration committee, Bill Stilwell, said this gathering has been arranged to allow the public an opportunity to say where their tax dollars are spent.

“We want this to be the public’s chance to tell us what’s important to them,” said Stilwell. “There are several important projects that are under consideration. Some people want to see a new hospital or a recreation facility or they prefer the focus to be on infrastructure. These are all expensive projects that need to be prioritized,” said Stilwell. “The only way to know what the priorities of the ratepayers are is for them to tell us.”

The evening is expected to have a similar structure as last year’s meeting, where a series of questions that were designed to help prioritize town spending were initially asked. The public was then allowed to voice their opinions on specific proposals already discussed or bring up new ideas for consideration.  Stilwell said that last year’s public dialogue was well received and assisted council in its decision making. He added that it’s very important for people to take the time out and participate in this process, not only to assist with the 2016 budget, but with Neepawa’s long term vision.

“This is more than just one year. You can help shape the extended vision of our community for the next five or 10 years. Where do people want to see our spending go? Is it roads? Quality of life improvements via facilities?  What do you think should be the priorities to encourage growth and sustainability? If we don’t get public input on those important decisions, we, as Council, have to make the decisions on our own.” said Stilwell.

The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers room at the Neepawa Town Office on 275 Hamilton Street.