CBRM News

Dates scheduled for public budget consultation meetings

February 5, 2013

Cape Breton Regional Municipality aims to "do more with what we have"
SYDNEY, NS – Twelve meetings are scheduled across CBRM for residents to participate in the municipal government's 2013-14 budget setting process.

The new budget process is part of the CBRM's Reorganization Plan for Positive Change.

Mayor Cecil Clarke and each district's councillor will attend the meetings along with key CBRM staff including Interim CAO Marie Walsh.

 

This is the region's first-ever public budget consultation tour. Along with the 12 public meetings, there will be a two-day stakeholder session in Council chambers, budget workshops with CBRM staff and councillors and a consultation with CBRM employees about how they can strengthen their departments and find efficiencies.

Clarke says he is looking forward to hearing from residents about their priorities and discussing how, as a municipality, we can "do more with what we have".

"I want residents to think about their priorities for their tax dollars and consider how those priorities create jobs or develop our economy," said Clarke. "Jobs are the key. Without them, people leave. This shrinks our tax base and shifts more of the tax burden to those who remain. The goal is to accomplish more with the resources we have."

The budget is expected to be finalized and ready for presentation to council by the end of March.

Schedule Of Budget Counsultation Meetings:

Sunday, February 24 – District 1: Sydney Mines Fire Hall at 3:00 pm
Sunday, February 24 – District 2: North Sydney Royal Cdn Legion #19 at 6:00 pm
Monday, February 11 – District 3: Georges River Fire Hall at 6:30 pm
Tuesday, February 12 – District 4: Dobson Yacht Club at 6:30 pm
Wednesday, February 13 – District 6: St. Theresa's Hall at 6:30 pm
Thursday, February 14 – District 7: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 151 on Kings Road at 6:30 pm
Tuesday, March 5 – District 10: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78, Dominion at 6:30pm (RESCHEDULED)
Thursday, March 7 – District 9: Glace Bay Fire Hall at 6:30 pm (RESCHEDULED)
Monday, February 25 – District 11: Scotchtown Fire Hall at 6:30 pm
Tuesday, February 26 – District 8: Albert Bridge Fire Hall at 6:30 pm
Sunday, March 3 – District 5: Civic Centre Community Room at 2:00 pm
Sunday, March 3 – District 12: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 128, Whitney Pier at 7:00 pm
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