The City of Prince Rupert’s budget simulation gathered input from residents, revealing spending priorities that diverged from city plans.
Residents were able to use an online tool to simulate what their own city budget could look like. The program required a balanced budget, which resulted in only 16 completed submissions. However, total page views suggest that many users explored the tool without submitting their results.
Of the submitted proposals, residents proposed a slight 0.3 per cent average property tax increase which would increase revenue by nearly $100,000. Residents also proposed an average increase of one per cent to city fees and charges bringing in nearly $50,000 for the city.
Residents proposed a decrease in the water fund of 0.35 per cent which would reduce city revenue from water fees by $260,000. This is in line with community frustration of water quality and many residents raising concerns that they should not have to pay for undrinkable water.
Residents proposed many significant budget cuts to balance the increases to areas they considered a high priority. Residents cut general administrative services by $258,000, transportation services by $463,000 and recreation services by $216,000. Public safety was prioritized, with nearly $500,000 in additional funding proposed.
Meanwhile, cuts to transportation saw residents reduce funding in all areas such as paving projects, road maintenance, transit services and the largest cut to the operations of the airport ferry. Public safety saw residents make cuts to fire and victim services while increasing funding for the RCMP.
The city said it plans to review the data and evaluate the budget to better align with community values.
