Public consultation for the Town of Okotoks' 2021 budget continues, with a survey having been launched for its second phase.

The first survey, which took place from September 8th-23rd, aimed to provide the town with a basic idea of how residents and business owners have been affected by COVID, as well as which course of action they favoured when it comes to balancing the 2021 budget with the various services offered by the town.

It saw 1526 participants, whose feedback has been made available in the form of a report on the Town of Okotoks' website.

Whereas the initial survey was broader in nature, this new survey aims to give participants a chance to provide some more specific feedback and suggestions with regard to the services offered in 2021.

Those taking the survey will be faced with some tough choices, which CAO Elaine Vincent described in a town release as "controversial and some of them will likely not be publicly supported,” while reaffirming that the town values public input for that very reason.

Some of the scenarios presented in the survey include increased user fees, increased tax rates, and/or a reduction in services.

Those taking part in the survey will also have the option to sign up for the town's Citizen Panel, who will be directly notified of any future consultation.

For more information on the 2021 budget consultation, including links to the new survey and the results from phase one, click here.

 

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