KIRKLAND LAKE - Kirkland Lake has launched its 2024 municipal budget survey.
At a regular council meeting on Tuesday (Feb. 6), treasurer Lloyd Crocker made a presentation about the town’s proposed budget guidelines and schedule, which was approved by council.
The public survey is available to fill out from now until March 1.
During the meeting, Mayor Stacy Wight said she recognizes how much work goes into budgets.
“Not only from your department, but from each department throughout the corporation. Since being elected in 2018, I've been advocating for forward-facing and multi-year budgets,” she said.
"I hope to see that come to fruition before my time on council comes to an end. And I know staff are working diligently towards them, so I do appreciate that.”
Coun. Rick Owen said he remembers his first year on council when the budget wasn’t done until the summer.
“So, I was going to compliment you for moving ahead so fast in such a short time. We've definitely made progress,” he said.
“I'm very pleased to see that we are working towards a multi-year planning because the town doesn't start and stop with the new year. It's a continuing flow. And if we can get our planning as more of a continuing flow, then I believe we can be more efficient and provide a better service to the ratepayers.”
The following are some highlights regarding the budget schedule:
- March 19 - Regular council meeting. Table proposed 2024 town operating and capital budget.
- March 27 - Special council meeting. Departmental operating budget presentations and capital budget presentation.
- April 4 - Public meeting to be held to receive input on 2024 budget departmental presentations.
- April 9 - Special council meeting. Commencement of budget deliberations.
- April 11 - Special council meeting. Budget deliberations (if required).
- April 23 - Special council meeting. Operating, capital (including water and wastewater) budget for approval.
All meetings start at 4:40 p.m.
The budget survey can be found here.
