COMMUNITY CONVERSATION/TOWN HALL MEETING

Have Your Say in the 2009 Budget

Squamish, BC - It’s budget time at the District of Squamish and Council wants your input. At 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, Council will host a Town Hall Meeting at the Squamish Adventure Centre.

The District of Squamish is facing serious budget increases in 2009 due to escalating policing and other municipal servicing costs. Make sure Council hears what you have to say about what services are important to you, what services you would like to maintain, and where you think changes can be made. Get your family, friends, neighbours, or co-workers together, come to the meeting and have your say.

The meeting will feature a presentation by Councillor Rob Kirkham, Chair of the Finance Standing Committee and Ralph Hughes, Director of Finance. Each municipal department will have an information table and will provide information on their priorities, goals, and achievements as well as answer your questions. Feedback questionnaires will be available for everyone to provide opinions and ideas.

“There are tough decisions to be made this year and this is a responsibility that Council doesn’t take lightly. Every choice we make affects someone in the community,” said Mayor Gardner. “To make the best possible choices we need as much input on financial planning as we can gather. This is an opportunity for everyone in town to let us know what’s important.”

“What we decide for the 2009 - 2013 Financial Plan - and the 2009 budget specifically - affects taxes,” according to Councillor Kirkham. “We don’t just want to know what people are thinking, we need to know. This forum is designed to gather opinions which we can then focus into budget solutions.”

“Democracy isn’t just about the election. It’s about having your voice heard in ongoing decision making. We’re encouraging everyone to get come out to the Town Hall Meeting and tell us what’s important,” added the Mayor.

The District of Squamish Financial Plan is developed through a series of public Council meetings, resulting in a bylaw that must be adopted before May 15, 2009.