Budget Chair, Councillor Derek Robertson speaking at the Blenheim public meeting. January 25, 2017. (Photo by Natalia Vega)Budget Chair, Councillor Derek Robertson speaking at the Blenheim public meeting. January 25, 2017. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
Chatham

Low Turnout For Public Budget Meetings

What's being proposed in this year's municipal budget hasn't been attracting too many residents out to the public meetings.

Out of the five public sessions held last week throughout Chatham-Kent, only 63 residents in total showed up.

Budget chair Councillor Derek Robertson says the lack of service cuts seen this year may be a contributing factor in the low turnout.

"I do believe that this year we've taken a different approach, which has led to us not having the big ticket issues in front of us like we did in past years," says Robertson.

He adds a popular point of discussion among those who did attend the public meetings was in regards to infrastructure.

When broken down, the highest turnout at the public meetings was seen in Chatham with 25 residents and the lowest turnout was in Tilbury with only eight residents.

It's unknown at this time whether or not the low numbers will have any effect on future public sessions regarding the budget.

"I think it needs to be considered in the future," says Robertson. "Obviously if we're going to have a similar budget in the future I think it's likely reasonable to at least contemplate a different approach."

Those looking to give input on the budget can still do so by attending the upcoming meetings at the Civic Centre in Chatham.

The next budget meetings have been scheduled for February 1, 2, 7, and 8, from 6pm to 10pm.

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