Houston 2023 Budget Survey

We want to hear from you! 

The Budget is one of the most important matters your elected Council will decide, and your input will help Council identify key service levels and priorities and balance them with taxes and fees paid by YOU.
You may submit any additional comments or questions directly to our finance department at finance@houston.ca.

What is a budget?
The budget is a plan that sets out anticipated spending for the year and where the money will come from. It determines the services the municipality will provide as well as improvements or expenses related to facilities that will be made that year. A budget is the blueprint that outlines how municipal funds are collected and allocated. 

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* 1. Which answer below best describes you?

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* 2. How familiar are you with the District of Houston's budget planning processes - zero being not familiar at all and 10 being very familiar.

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i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 3. How well does The District of Houston explain how your tax dollars are spent -  zero being "not well at all" and 10 being "very well"

0 10
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i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 4. What do you feel are the most important community issues in Houston? Ranking them from 1 being most important. (rank as many as you like)

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* 5. What do you feel are the most important services/programs that the District of Houston provides? (rank as many as you like)

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* 6. The District is required to have a balanced budget each year. That means that the expenditures cannot be more than the money that is available.  Inflation increases the cost of providing services because the cost of materials, wages and contractor fees go up.  As a result revenue must also be increased to maintain the same level of service.  What method of balancing the budget do you think the District should use?

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* 7. What do you think the property tax change should be in 2023 based on your expectations for services.  In 2022 a home assessed at $200,000 paid approximately $1,800 in property tax - a 1% increase would be about $18, a 3% increase would be about $54.
There are basic services which must be maintained, such as water and sewer.  If service levels are reduced it would affect other services such as road maintenance and recreational facilities.

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* 8. If you answered in favor of a property tax increase or increased utility or user fees, what services would you like to see improved? (check your top 5)

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* 9. If you answered in favour of no property tax increase or no increases in utility and user fees, what services would you like to see decreased? (check your top 5)

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* 10. About how long have you lived in the District of Houston?

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* 11. What age group do you belong to?

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* 12. Gender: How do you identify?

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* 13. How did you find out about the District's 2023 Budget Survey?

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* 14. In what ways would you prefer to engage with the District about future budget planning activities? 

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* 15. Have you been to a Council meeting when they are discussing the budget?

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* 16. If you answered No - tell us why you haven't been to a Council meeting when they are discussing the budget. (check as many as apply)

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* 17. How would you prefer to stay informed about District initiatives?

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* 18. Anything else you want us to know?

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* 19. Would you be interested in being part of a focus group to discuss the budget?  A focus group is a small group of people representing a cross-section of the community who will meet for a few hours to discuss the budget.  The meeting will be facilitated by District staff and offer refreshments. 
If YES please provide your name and contact information (phone and/or email).  This information will be kept confidential and will not be used in the analysis of the survey responses.  If you prefer you may email us separately and ask to be included - finance@houston.ca

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