Cochrane, AB – Cochrane invites residents to provide their feedback on Cochrane services as a first step in developing the 2023 operating budget.
In drafting the budget, Administration aims to understand the community's desired level of service to ensure departmental business plans and budgets reflect community demand and design service delivery in an effective, efficient, and financially sustainable way.
“Engaging Cochrane residents during the budget process has always been important to Council and Administration,” says Katherine Van Keimpema, Executive Director Corporate Services. “This year, we are looking for feedback on Town services: what is working for you, what isn’t, and how can we best serve the people of Cochrane — today and into the future.”
Cochrane operations impact residents, businesses and other stakeholders every day. The survey lists Cochrane departments and seeks input into whether a respondent feels service levels should increase, decrease or stay the same.
Survey results will be presented to Council for consideration. Following Council’s direction, Administration will draft the 2023-2025 budget over the summer and submit a draft budget to Council in the fall. The budget is debated and finalized by Council in December and guides service level decisions for the coming three years. A capital budget is also presented to Council for consideration, providing specific funding for infrastructure projects, equipment and fleet.
The survey is available on LetsTalkCochrane.ca/Budget until May 27. The survey will be published in the Cochrane Eagle on May 12; paper copies are also available at Cochrane FCSS and the Cochrane Public Library.