The City of Lloydminster is looking for feedback regarding its upcoming budget.
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Public engagement for the 2027 Lloydminster budget is underway and the city has launched an online platform for residents to take a survey.
“The city has a number of initiatives underway. You’ll be able to find information online at the city website and people can go to the survey directly,” Mayor Gerald Aalbers explained.
He noted city representatives will also be attending local events.
“We have a number of engagements. We know the city has numerous outdoor events throughout the summer and the city will be present as best as they can,” he said.
The goal is to hear from residents about what they want prioritized in next year’s budget.
“Get input from people and chat with them about their priorities leading into the next budget,” Aalbers said. “We know road repairs are on everybody’s minds right now, the other services that the city continues to provide and the challenges we face from inflation to budgetary pressures.”
Aalbers said the survey is an opportunity for residents to have their voices heard.
“I would say here’s your opportunity to share your views,” he said. “This is that opportunity to provide your opinion if you didn’t make direct contact with someone from the city.”
Meanwhile, city administration is already looking ahead.
“Our city administration team has already started to build business plans and plans going into next year’s budget,” Aalbers said. “The sooner we get it, it gives administration more time to take a look at it and see where the public view is going.”
He added this process to spark community conversations has been successful in previous years.
“We’ve done this over the last number of years and we appreciate people’s input,” he said. “We’re open to hearing the conversations and their recommendations.”
The survey covers a variety of topics, including road maintenance, recreation facilities, protective services (including the RCMP, fire and municipal policing) and utilities.
“There’s a number of questions about various services that the city provides,” Aalbers said. “It’s a broad perspective of survey questions, are you satisfied with the services you’re receiving.
“Council does take everybody’s opinion into consideration.”
Last year, the city received 430 completed surveys and aims to surpass that number this year. The survey can be found at yourvoicelloyd.ca/2027Budget.
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