As Estevan City Council finalizes its 2025 budget, residents are encouraged to share their input. The city is working to balance essential repairs and upgrades with financial sustainability, and public feedback will help shape the final plan. An open house will be held tomorrow night to gather community input.
Both City Manager Jeff Ward and Councillor Kirsten Walliser highlighted the importance of public input in ensuring that the budget aligns with the needs and priorities of the community.
“Every year, the challenge is balancing what the community needs with the financial reality,” said Ward, noting that the proposed budget includes projects like the water tower, electrical work, and renovations at Hillside Pool, alongside a 2 percent tax increase proposal.
Ward added that although community feedback on the budget has historically been limited, any insights are valuable.
Walliser echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that community feedback is crucial for the council to make informed decisions, not only when it comes to the budget. “Somebody in the community could have a great idea or see a clear problem, and we just haven’t thought of it because it doesn’t impact us the same way. And so, having every member of the community know that they’re the eyes and ears and have ideas—and that we’re happy to receive them and act on them—really increases the quality of decisions that council can make,” said Walliser. Her five years of experience preparing the city budget have reinforced her belief in the value of public participation.
To increase transparency and engagement, the final budget open house will take place on Thursday, February 8, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Southeast Tech Hub. Attendees will have the opportunity to review the budget, ask questions, and provide suggestions.
Walliser also highlighted that even those without specific issues or questions should feel encouraged to attend. "There's no set agenda. You're welcome to pick up a physical copy of the budget. There will be refreshments and some snacks set out for the community, and even if people don’t have a burning question or an item that they’d like to discuss, it’s a good opportunity to meet the new council and talk about those values that people want to see reflected in the next four years."
Ward stressed that the open house is just one of many ways for residents to get involved. “You can call City Hall, email us, or speak with council members directly. The more we hear from the community, the better we can serve them.”
For more information on the budget or to submit feedback, residents can visit the City of Estevan’s website or attend the open house on Thursday. The proposed budget will be reviewed and voted on by the city council this month.