WEYBURN – Council discussed the input received from the public at the City of Weyburn’s open house on the preliminary municipal budget, as they now look at finalizing the 2024 on Dec. 11.
The open house was held on Nov. 7 at the Credit Union Spark Centre, with five members of council present, eight senior staff members and 15 members of the public attending.
The City had put out an invitation for delegations or individuals to appear at Monday night’s council meeting for any further input on the proposed budget, but no delegations made an appearance.
City manager Mathew Warren said the council was thankful for the members of the public who did come to the open house.
Noting the preliminary budget proposed a tax increase of 6.47 per cent, Warren said, “We’re looking at ways to reduce that budget further, by looking at efficiencies and our operational focus. It was valuable for council and administrators to have those conversations. It’s a great way to reach out to people and receive feedback, to help us to move forward.”
Coun. Jeff Richards made the observation that in the days leading up to the open house, and even in the week afterward, he had many people approach him to give him feedback on the proposed budget.
“I think just facilitating this event opened doors a lot more for input,” he said.
“I found the conversations we had in that room, not just with ourselves but with other members of the community were extremely valuable,” added Coun. Ryan Janke.
“I would encourage citizens to come out and meet staff and city councillors when we have opportunities like this,” said Coun. Mel Van Betuw. “Please don’t feel as if your opinions are not warranted. We’d love to hear what people have to say. There’s always opportunities to ask questions and meet staff and the people who make up the budget. It was a great opportunity, so next year please keep that in mind, and hopefully we can triple the number of participants.”
In the discussions at the open house, council was urged to avoid tax increases in coming years, and people brought up “the importance of seeking efficiencies in existing processes, not just cutting budgets.”
The city’s infrastructure was discussed by many, including projects on paving, traffic light upgrades, planning priorities, and the public impact a bout specific projects, including detours, the length of construction and the impact on access to local businesses or amenities.
Discussions were also had about snow removal, user fees at city facilities, inquiries about the city’s trees, and some interest was expressed for a new hockey rink.
In the end, there was support for the city to continue having events like the open house, and there was appreciation for the dialogue and collaboration between councillors and city staff.
• In other council business, the new youth council members were appointed and introduced to city council.
They include youth mayor Nikola Erasmus, Gr. 12; secretary Mason Sidloski, Gr. 12; Yuan Presto, Gr. 11; Jackson Stadnek, Gr. 11, and Harper Williams, Gr. 10.
This is the second year for Erasmus, who noted the youth councillors want to be valuable representatives for the youth of the city, and “we want to be advocates for greater support for the less fortunate of our city.”
Mayor Marcel Roy noted the youth councillors do not have a vote on council motions, but they are encouraged to have input on any issues that come up at the council table.
• The City of Weyburn will receive a municipal revenue sharing grant in the amount of $2,264,175 for 2023.
The grant is based on three-quarters of one point of the provincial sales tax revenue collected from two years before. Council passed a resolution to confirm that the city meets all of the criteria for the grant as set out by the provincial government.
