Budget, New Paper Layout, And Gas Debate Follow-up.
Where will your money be spent?
North Cowichan Council hears from staff on their adjustments, or additions, to next year’s budget. Last year a couple of councilors fought against adding another $160,000+ to the Climate Action and Energy Fund ( which was a $500,000 reserve at that time), and were hoping to give the taxpayers a break during hard times such as these. These Councilors were out-voted, and your tax dollars were then put into the CAEF, only to then have the fund drained for electric vehicles (read about it in this month’s Westward Independent). Maybe it is time that the public attend these meetings and see what staff is presenting to the council, for them to debate and then take to a vote early next year. You can attend these meetings on these dates :
Save The Dates!
“Budget 2024
Budget season is here. Later this month, staff will present their 2024 departmental business plans for Council's review and consideration. These presentations begin the basis of budget considerations for next year - which can determine service levels and have tax implications on residents. This is your opportunity to get involved and provide input on what you would like to see in next year's budget.
Meetings begin at 5pm - attend in person at Municipal Hall or virtually to listen, learn, and ask questions to Council and staff.
Nov. 21, 2023 - Business Plan Review - part 1
Nov. 28, 2023 - Business Plan Review - part 2
Dec. 12, 2023 - Operating and Capital Financial Plan Review
Jan. 9, 2024 - Utility Rate Review
Jan. 17, 2024 - Financial Plan Bylaw (first three readings)
Feb. 7, 2024 - Financial Plan Bylaw (adoption)
Learn more and ask questions at www.connectnorthcowichan.ca/Budget-2024 “
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View the new exciting updated layout for our latest edition at wwind.ca - Distribution starts now.
Topics inside this month’s edition include: Did the Mayor breach policy? Home retrofits - how will you be impacted? The 30x30 agenda. Is N.C. just pushing environmental harm to other countries by purchasing electric vehicles? Why is the CVRD spending 100 million on a pathway study without public input? What are the Climate Action and Energy Plans suggesting we do in the future? A holiday draw! ….and so much more….
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At the final meeting around the Natural Gas Ban in North Cowichan Mayor Douglas doubled down on the fact that The Climate Action and Energy Plan will be held above all community input.
View the Mayor’s speech here:
The Final Debate ( for context) :
Final Words From Joseph and Adrienne :
The full short couple weeks of debates can be viewed on our YouTube under ‘videos’ - “community input / natural gas”. Does it matter? Will the few new buildings not allowed to add natural gas make any difference to the climate or emissions? Nope, but it is the first step towards our old homes being mandated to retrofit, which is in the CAEP plan.
Sincerely,
Team COAP