J.P. Antonacci
BRANT NEWS

As demand for city services increases and budgets shrink, the City of Brantford must prioritize which of the 190-plus municipal services currently on offer should be maintained.

To better determine how to spend $119.2 million in operating funds, the city has created a survey to involve taxpayers in the budget process and determine which services are most required by the community.

From Aug. 1 until Sept. 30, residents can visit www.mybrantford.ca/myservices to offer input on city services and a proposed taxpayers’ bill of rights.

“By reviewing city services and encouraging more input from citizens and taxpayers in the budget process, council will be sure that money is spent on the services the community values,” said Trudy Belanco, manager of corporate policy and management practices with the city.

Respondents can rate the effectiveness and importance of 20 service areas, including transportation, housing, emergency services, child care and recreation. The survey provides an opportunity for feedback about how the city should balance quality versus the cost of each service and for residents to indicate their level of satisfaction with service delivery.

The survey also asks residents to critique the role and importance of city staff and departments and indicate an acceptable tax increase for the coming fiscal year.

The proposed taxpayers’ bill of rights will enshrine how and when during the budget process the city must consult with the public and disclose financial information.

Paper copies of the survey can be picked up and returned at locations throughout the city, including city hall, Ontario Works, Northridge and Arrowdale golf courses, both library branches, the Gretzky centre and Woodman, Doug Snooks and T.B. Costain-SC Johnson community centres.