Budget 2014/15 information and public engagement update

The budget is the biggest, most complex and one of the most important things Council does all year.  This year there are three key ways HRM is working to improve citizenship engagement with the budget process.  I’ll promote links to the on-line budgeting tool and the meetings here.  For more information you can also check halifax.ca/budget

1 – Community Council Presentations
Presentations to the public starting in November at each of the three community councils.

• Harbour East – Marine Drive Community Council (Districts 2,3,4,5,6)
  Thursday November 14, 6pm
  Dartmouth Council Chamber, 90 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth (Waterside entrance)
• North West Community Council (Districts 1, 13, 14, 15, 16)
  Monday, November 18, 7pm
  650 Sackville Drive, Acadia Hall
  Lower Sackville
• Halifax & West Community Council (Districts 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
  Monday, December 2, 7pm
  Canada Games Centre
  26 Thomas Raddall Drive, Halifax

2 – On‐line Budget Tool
Public will be able to provide input using on‐line tool.  This allows the public to increase/decrease certain services and see the impact on the budget and taxes

3 – “Open Mic” at Committee of the Whole
There is dedicate time at the end of each Committee of the Whole for public comment.  The public will be encouraged to comment on that session’s topic.  Tentative schedule of meetings is below.

Committee of the Whole – Budget Discussions 2014/15

Council Chambers, City Hall, 10am (subject to change)