Tuesday, residents of the City of Weyburn will get the chance to learn more not just about the 2024 budget, but also about the process of how the budget is made. 

“It’s incredibly important to have an opportunity for the council and administration to have that conversation with residents of the community,” explained City Councillor Larry Heggs when asked about the importance of events like this. “That’s how we get the feedback to know if we’re on the right page. We did a survey earlier on in the year, the direction, but this is the actual dollars and cents, and it’s imperative that we have those conversations with residents.” 

The preliminary budget was presented during the City Council meeting on October 23rd. The numbers in the budget include a proposed 6.47 percent tax increase, which is roughly $10 a month more for a home valued at $300,000. The budget includes $22,265,204 in operating expenses and $2,813,000 in capital projects.  

Understanding how those numbers are arrived at is something Heggs feels all residents should take the time to learn.  

"From a transparency perspective, I think it is better,” Heggs said. “It’s a better system for everybody.” 

Heggs noted it can also show the balancing act that the administration, and the council, have at hand when it comes to the budget, as they look at what the residents want, and at the same time, what the city needs.  

“At the end of the day, you got to do what’s best for the city and best for the residents. I think by taking this opportunity we’ll have a better understanding of what’s necessary.” 

The open house is being held at the Credit Union Spark Centre and will be done in two sessions. The first will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the second will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.