Each year Rocky View County’s Council plans for the year ahead through the budgeting process, considering pressing needs, current needs, and future planning.
Now, Rocky View County wants your input. The 2023 Budget Allocator Tool empowers residents to show their version of a balanced budget. Those that use the Budget Allocator have the option to submit their mock budget, save their progress and share their ideal budget with others.
Council will review submissions and consider residents’ feedback as the 2023 budget is planned.
“The community should have a voice in important decisions, like which programs and services we invest in,” says Rocky View County Mayor Don Kochan. “When residents communicate how they want tax dollars spent, they bring their voice and influence to County decisions, and that is important to us.”
The Budget Allocator features a user-friendly interface and a chart that updates as spending is calculated. Residents can choose where to spend tax dollars by selecting the menu on the right side of the screen. The arrows open each budget item (for example, transportation, community safety, county operations, administration, etc.). and options are shown to increase, maintain or reduce spending on that service. Open suggestions are also available through a comment box.
The chart on the left-hand side shows if the budget is in balance or deficit in real-time. It adjusts as the budget items are updated. Once complete, hitting the submit button sends the mock budget and the comments to council. The tool helps the County understand residents’ priorities and satisfaction with existing service levels. While the Budget Allocator will remain in place as a learning tool after November 1, public comments are accepted between October 18 – November 1, 2022.
Privacy is assured; the tool is powered by Balancing Act, a secure, online program that helps communities participate in municipal budget planning. Additionally, submitted comments are anonymous. In the future, a What We Heard report will be compiled and shared with Rocky View County residents.
The Budget Allocator Tool is just one way Rocky View County is listening to residents; the 2022 Citizen Satisfaction Survey noted residents wanted more opportunities to provide feedback. This tool not only provides education about how tax dollars are allocated, it gives residents an engaging way to weigh in on the budget without having to attend meetings or even leave their homes.
The County wants residents to have their say, to interact with council in the most convenient ways and to improve the resident experience. Use the tool today to have your say.
