Public Input on 2025 Budget

As Council and administration work to finalize the 2025 budget for approval at the November 12, 2024, Council meeting, we wanted to share the feedback gathered from residents during this process.

On September 9, 2024, residents attended Council’s Public Consultation on the 2025 Budget, where they shared their priorities directly with Council members, Township staff, and fellow residents. Additionally, residents could submit requests by email throughout the year. In total, twenty-six (26) requests were made from residents, two (2) from committees and two (2) from Council members.

A key part of this year’s budget process involved seeking residents' views on potentially adjusting the distribution of costs between taxation and user fees. From September 3 to 30, 2024, residents were invited to complete a survey on who should bear the costs of various Township services.

With 476 responses (about 3% of the population aged 20 and over), the survey results indicate a notable shift in opinion. More residents believe that specific service users should directly contribute to funding, rather than relying solely on general taxation. This reflects a growing understanding of the need for a balanced approach to fiscal responsibility.

For example, services like libraries and fire protection, which are currently funded mostly through taxation, were at the center of this debate. Nearly 30% of respondents feel that users of fire services should help cover some costs. Additionally, over 50% of respondents support introducing user fees for libraries. Regarding recreational services, which are already funded largely by user fees, opinions were more mixed. However, a majority of respondents favor a balanced funding model, suggesting a 50-50 split between taxation and user fees.

An interesting finding involved daycare services, currently 100% funded by user fees. Over half of respondents indicated support for having taxation cover a portion of these costs, signaling potential shifts in future funding models for daycare.

Finally, residents showed strong interest in using online tools to engage in budget discussions. Suggestions such as online forums, feedback boxes, and updates through newsletters and social media were among the most popular choices. These methods provide practical and efficient channels for ongoing resident involvement.

In summary, survey results show growing support among residents for user-based funding of specific services, a trend that Council and administration will consider as they finalize the 2025 budget and future budgets. While implementing these changes will take time, the insights gathered provide valuable direction for adapting Township strategies to align with residents’ evolving preferences.

Following the budget draft and budget working sessions in October, the 2025 budget will be presented for approval at the November 12, 2024, Council meeting. You can consult the document in the meeting agenda which will be available at www.russell.ca/council the Wednesday before the meeting.