Area residents are invited to come and talk finances at Wolfville town hall this Tuesday.
Town staff are presenting an information session on Feb. 26 based on the first draft of the 2013-2014 business plan and budgets.
The draft, which was available last week, is the first chance to review dollar estimates and day-to-day service to the public.
The open house session will run from 3–8 p.m. at town hall.
Council and staff took time again this year to gather input from the public at the Wolfville Farmers’ Market.
CAO Diane Mombourquette said that interest was not as evident as in 2012.
“It’s about community awareness,” she said. “Hopefully, people will come (on Feb. 26).”
Various departments will be setting up displays and staff will be on hand to answer questions, she explained.
The draft budget is up slightly from last year, but Mombourquette said that is because the emphasis is on increasing capital investment and streamlining operations.
The town has worked at tightening costs for budget items like training and has set out requirements for both staff and council expenses.
Three staff members have left the town in the last year and have not been replaced, including town clerk Rachel Turner.
According to Mombourquette, the town aims to make reductions occur through attrition.
The second draft budget will go to council on March 12 at the regular council meeting and final approval is expected on March 26.
By the numbers:
• Police costs - budgeted $1.28 million /2012 $1.21 million forecast
• General government expenditures - $1.17 million budget/$1.23 million forecast 2012
• Capital budget - planned $3 million/$2.75 million 2012/13
• Total spending up $263,900 over last year, but that amount is offset by increased grants.
