Public input is gathered on the Performing Arts Centre study during a February public input session for the 2014 budget.
(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)
October 21, 2014 - 2:27 PM
KAMLOOPS - Last year the city decided to begin hosting budget meetings earlier than normal to help engage residents and separate the core budget from the additional requests. This year they are beginning even earlier — this week, in fact.
City service levels will be up for discussion at two different sessions on Wednesday, Oct. 22 — one at the Interior Savings Centre Parkside Lounge from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and another from 7-10 p.m. at McArthur Island Sports Centre.
For the last couple of years staff have used Twitter to interact with residents unable to attend in person by using #kamloopsbudget, and while it will continue this year a virtual meeting aspect is also being added. The city will be using TeamSpeak software to allow residents to listen in real time and post questions, comments and ideas during the budget meetings.
This year the budget meetings will focus on service levels, from how often garbage is picked up and maintenance schedules of sports fields hours to hours of operation for different city facilities.
Last year staff requested earlier budget meetings to help with capital projects. Getting an early start allows major capital projects to be sent to tender earlier in the year which can help with timing and cost.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infonews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014