Record participation in survey and still time to give input into Cobourg 2024 budget, says deputy mayor

A record number of people participated in a recent survey about the 2024 Cobourg draft budget. Two hundred and eighty residents went online and filled out a survey. It was four times greater than last year. Inflation, high interest rates, grocery prices, and the cost of gas are hammering everyone’s wallet. Last fall, Cobourg councillors told staff to aim for a five percent increase. Staff returned with an eight percent increase in its draft budget earlier this month. Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty will talk about closing the gap. She discusses the police budget and its request for officers. She also addresses the priorities identified by all the participants in the budget survey. This includes Centennial Pool, lifeguards at Victoria Beach, and capital expenditures. Beatty also takes on the controversy over stormwater management charges and its move from tax levy to water bills, a switch that upsets some residents. There is still time to have a say about the 2024 Cobourg budget, so have a listen.