First opportunity for public comment on City of Prince Rupert Budget tonight comes at City Council Session

Residents of Prince Rupert hav had a couple of weeks now to review the first draft of Chief Financial Officer Corrine Bomben's financial plans for the year ahead, with the March 22nd special session of Council providing for the lay of the financial land for residents.

The original forecast of 15.7 percent tax increase, tempered somewhat a week later after word that CityWest would be providing one million dollars towards civic tax relief, though it has yet to be noted if that is in addition to their traditional distribution/loan repayment plans, or by way of additional funding.

Still, taxpayers will be pleased to hear of some reduction on the upcoming burden, now pegged at 13.4%, with tonight the first opportunity for residents to share some thoughts on the Budget plans and how they may view the recommended tax hit.

Tonight is one of two public engagement sessions for the 2023 budget process, with the opportunity for public comment coming at the start of the Session, that following a short review of the Budget plans from CFO Bomben.

The public opportunity will give the City Council members some indication as to how the public may be reacting to the financial plan and tax hike plans. 

As well as to offer the public a chance to make their own recommendations towards further cost savings, or to ask questions related to Civic Finances that impact on the Budget process.

The Full Draft Budget document can be examined here.

You can also participate in the process through the city's online portal Rupert Talks, which has more information on the budget planning and offers a chance for you to make your own changes towards balancing a budget.

The process for the Budget from tonight forward looks as follows:

More notes on the 2023 Budget process can be explored through our archive page here.

A wider overview of tonight's City Council Session can be found here.