At City Council’s Committee of the Whole meeting on June 26, City Administration was directed to conduct targeted stakeholder engagement on specified items from the 2024 Budget Amendments Report.

The Report contained 28 items where service levels could be adjusted or cut in order to find $2.2 million in savings for the 2024 Budget. Earlier this year, council directed administration to find savings to reduce the property tax levy, resulting in this report. While City Council approved items from the list, with ratification set for July 17, five items were deferred so council could get more information – specifically stakeholder consultation.

Impacted stakeholders will be consulted over the coming months on the Sister Cities program, Neebing/Mission transit route, Heritage Advisory Committee, Neebing Arena, and outdoor skating rinks. Findings from these consultations will be presented to City Council on or before Aug. 28, 2023.

“As part of the Budget process, we must first bring forward our proposal to City Council,” said City Manager Norm Gale. “What happens next is at their direction. We know these are difficult cuts, but the fact remains that we must balance the budget. We will continue to provide advice and Council will decide how this is accomplished.”

He asked that impacted stakeholders remain patient as consultations are undertaken over the coming months. The goal is to conduct meaningful engagement that helps to inform decision making.

 

– 30 –

 

Contact:      Stacey Levanen, Supervisor - Corporate Communications & Community Engagement, 807-625-3650, stacey.levanen@thunderbay.ca