BURLINGTON—Burlington residents have many choices on how to have their voices heard in the decision-making process for the city’s 2008 capital and operating budgets, says Burlington Mayor Cam Jackson.

“Public consultation will be very important as we undertake our 2008 Budget,” Mayor Jackson said. “There are a number of significant capital investments to be considered in this year’s budget, and it is very important for your council to receive community feedback. We are encouraging residents through a variety of easily accessible ways to fully participate. We need your input.”

Residents may:

1. Attend the budget discussions on Monday, Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. at City Hall, 426 Brant St., or register as a delegate to speak. The review of the proposed 2008 capital budget and an overview of the operating budget will take place at this meeting.
2. Attend the 2008 operating budget discussions on Tuesday, Feb. 26 or register as a delegate to speak.
3. Visit the city’s website at www.burlington.ca and click on the Budget 2008 icon. Find reports, presentations, and news releases. Sign up for Webminder on the city’s Budget 2008 page and receive budget updates.
4. E-mail budget@burlington.ca or call 905-335-7653 and provide comments and insights on the budget. Input will be provided to members of council.

5. Complete a brief online survey to share thoughts on the proposed budget at www.burlington.ca

6. Attend one of the four public open houses conveniently located throughout Burlington on Jan. 21, 22, 23 and 24 at 7 p.m.

Dates, locations and details for the public open houses are:

“As Chair of the City of Burlington’s Budget and Strategic Planning Committee, I can promise that City Council is strongly committed to an open budget process, ensuring residents have the opportunity to provide input into Budget 2008,” said Ward 5 Councillor Rick Goldring. “I urge everyone to get involved in the budget process.”

People interested in making a delegation to the Jan. 21 Budget and Strategic Planning Committee meeting are asked to register by noon the day of the meeting. Registration is accepted by fax at 905-335-7881, by e-mail at cityclerks@burlington.ca or by phone at 905-335-7600, ext. 7375.

City Council will make a decision on the 2008 capital budget at its meeting on Jan. 28, incorporating feedback from the public open houses.

The Budget and Strategic Planning Committee will consider the proposed 2008 operating budget—including operating budget feedback from the public open houses, e-mail messages, online survey and telephone contacts—at a meeting on Feb. 26 at City Hall. Council is expected to give final approval to the 2008 operating budget in March.

For more information about Budget 2008, visit www.burlington.ca

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Communications Contact:
Donna Kell
Manager, Public Affairs
Tel: 905-335-7600 ext. 7841
Fax: 905-632-9082
E-mail: kelld@burlington.ca

Media Contact:
Mayor Cam Jackson
City of Burlington
Te; 905-335-7607
E-mail: jacksonc@burlington.ca