The Village of Pemberton is inviting residents to a discussion of the 2025 budget on Tuesday, March 4 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Community Centre’s Great Hall.
A post on Facebook invites residents to “learn more about the proposed budget, ask questions and provide feedback directly to council and staff.”
During a Jan. 21 meeting, Pemberton finance manager, Thomas Sikora, highlighted some of the challenges associated with this year’s budget.
“There is really a pressure to maintain the existing service levels, meet the strategic priorities, all while, historically, seeing low tax rates. So we’re starting to see additional pressure," Sikora told council.
“That’s compounded with aging infrastructure which requires more service over time or replacement and the ability to fund that with ongoing maintenance plans and reserves and ensure reliable and smooth collection over years.”
Inflationary pressures, as well as historically underfunded reserves, will likely be a topic of discussion as the year’s budget takes shape, according to Sikora.
The VOP’s committee of the whole will hold a budget session on Tuesday, Feb. 25 in advance of the public information session. The meeting can be attended by the public in person, or via Zoom link on the Village’s website.
