Town council will hold its first meeting regarding the 2004 budget, and the public is invited to come out and give their input on what should be on the agenda.
“The process for tonight’s meeting is to allow the public to come forward and say, ‘I think we should consider this issue or that issue as you consider the 2004 budget process,’” said Fort Frances CAO Bill Naturkach.
“In the last few years, we have included the public opportunity to take part,” he added. “And that’s a good thing because it’s the public that we serve and the public should have the opportunity to give us its thoughts.”^The public also will have a chance to have their voices heard towards the end of the budget process.
“Before it’s adopted, we’ll hold it out again to the public for public scrutiny and public comment, and council will take those comments into consideration and make its final decision,” Naturkach remarked.
Budget discussions usually begin in July, but were delayed this year because of a change in personnel at the Civic Centre. Former treasurer Diane Pearson left her position July 11.
A by-law to approve the contract of employment for the new treasurer, Margaret Dupuis, is expected to be passed by council tonight.
Another issue that will delay the budget process is November’s municipal election.
“We’ll be taking the budget process as far as we can with the incumbent council and then put it in front of the new council,” Naturkach explained.
“The new council in December will be in the position of receiving a proposed budget and will have to give its new direction to us, but essentially the grunt work will be done.”^Other business at tonight’s council meeting, which starts at 6:10 p.m. at the Civic Centre, includes:
•a report by Geoff Gillon regarding the economic development contract renewal proposal and as well as a verbal update on the upcoming Northern Networks trade conference being held here;
•a report from Mayor Glenn Witherspoon regarding a request from the minister of Citizenship and Immigration regarding proclaiming Oct. 13-19 as Canada’s Citizenship Week;
•a break open ticket licence application from the Friends of Little League at Sparky’s Confectionery from Sept. 8, 2003 to March 7, 2004; and
•a request for financial support for the Rainy River Watershed Program regarding the 2003 ManOMin conference being held Nov.
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