Results of a recent survey indicate a desire for an increased police budget in the Town of Edson.
According to the results of the 2023 Citizen Budget Engagement conducted by Town staff from July 4-28, 2022, 84 of 194 survey respondents wish to see a 5 per cent increase in the Town’s budget for RCMP services, while 69 respondents would like to see it stay the same. 29 survey respondents want to see a 10 per cent increase, while 12 others want to see a decrease in the Town’s RCMP budget.
This year, say Town officials, the Citizen Budget Engagement tool focused on level of service questions and allowed residents the opportunity to provide feedback on their preferred levels of service prior to 2023 Budget deliberations.
When it came to services such as the fire department, community enforcement, family and community support services, parks, community development, the leisure centre and infrastructure services, waste collection, and the landfill, the majority of voters said to keep the budget the way it is. The only service not to be kept the same, however, was the desired budget increase for RCMP services.
To facilitate engagement, the Citizen Budget Engagement tool was advertised in the newspaper and through sponsored social media advertisements. A utility bill insert was also sent both physically and digitally to all properties within the Town. Since launching the engagement tool, participation has increased year over year, say Town officials.
Edson town council accepted the 2023 Citizen Budget Engagement results for information.
