Consultation includes online Simulation, as City of Prince Rupert launches Budget engagement process today

City Staff and Prince Rupert Council will turn
the budget process over to the public for March
with a consultation period now underway

Prince Rupert City Council received their first glimpse of the financial path ahead for 2021 at last evenings Council gathering, with Chief Financial Officer Corinne Bomben outlying the current results of the city's number crunching to deliver a budget for the year ahead. 

One that once again will deliver no property mill rate increase for local taxpayers and will feature a surplus of near $850,000.

City of PR CFO
Corrine Bomben

“Given the information known to date, staff are able to announce a budget surplus. This means we are able to recommend no increase to the residential mill rate. For clarity, this means a zero per cent change to the mill rate for 2021” -- City of Prince Rupert CFO Corinne Bomben speaking at Monday's City Council session

The ability to declare the surplus and hold the line on taxes seemingly comes as a result of a recently received provincial grant related to the BC restart program; as well as new taxable properties from expansion and new industrial builds which has resulted in new taxation added. 

We'll explore the background to her presentation from Monday night along with the commentary on the Budget process from Council as part of our regular Council Coverage to come in the days ahead. 

However, with the Budget consultation launching today, here's what you need to know to participate and to make sure your that voice is heard by City Staff and Council members as they move forward toward their final Budget for 2021.

The CFO and Council Members will make use of that feedback to help guide them towards a final Budget document for adoption later this Spring.

Towards community engagement on the Budget, as we continue to travel through times of COVID, there won't be any public presentation this year that allows for in person public comment or questions.

This year, the City is asking residents to forward their comments, observations or questions by way of email, directing your feedback to finance@princerupert.ca

The commentary received will be read out and any questions for the CFO or Council answered at the March 22nd and April 12th Council sessions. 

Those looking to contribute must deliver their feedback by 4 PM on each of those days.

As well, you can now take a whirl a creating your own version of how the City should spend money, collect taxes and such with a simulation program now available for participation, along the lines of the computer program Sim City (famous if you have children no doubt) you can see how your decisions affect how the Mayor and Council can spend money or allocate resources. 

Access the City Budget Simulation project here.

Though it should be noted that the computer game of Sim City does not appear to have a Legacy Corporation funding option to use as a financial cushion.

The simulation project will run live until April 13th.

Her Budget documentation will also be provided to the City website, most likely as part of the Rupert Talks portal in the days to come.

You can review Ms.  Bomben's presentation to the Council membership and their observations and questions, from the City's You Tube Archive, starting at the 2 minute mark below:

For those who wish to read a print copy of the Civic blueprint, Ms. Bomben noted on Monday that it will be made available at the Public Library and at City Hall. 

Though accessing it in the near future may be a bit of challenge for interested residents,  what with the Library currently Closed as a result of a potential COVID exposure and City Hall asking for the most part that residents to avoid City Hall if possible and  use online methods, or book an appointment if they need to visit.

As the Budget process moves forward we'll be adding the evolving notes to our Budget Archive page which you can review here.

More notes on Prince Rupert City Council can be explored from our Council Discussion page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.