ST. JAMES MUNICIPAL CORPORATION PRESENTS BUDGET TO PUBLIC OCTOBER 8
MONTEGO BAY, October 7 (JIS):
The St. James Municipal Corporation will present its budget directly to the public on Thursday, October 8 as it seeks their participation in the first City Hall Municipal budget presentation, which will be held at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre in Sam Sharpe Square, at 5:30 p.m.
In an interview with JIS News on October 6, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, said the initiative is aimed at making the municipal budget more accessible to the public and helping residents understand how municipal funds are being spent, while fulfilling the mandate of the Local Governance Act.
“It is basically democratising the budget, because now you will hear how every dollar is spent, demystifying the large constructs of the conversation about numbers, and actually giving persons a chance to appreciate how a municipal budget works,” the Mayor said.
“This is important for the community to know, and this is an opportunity for the community to come out and engage the local representatives and the St James Municipal Corporation,” he added.
The presentation will also outline capital projects for the 2027/2028 fiscal year and help residents to better understand the functions of the Municipal Corporation, including services and expenses for which it is responsible.
“This is where you learn and understand what is happening in your community concerning the monies that you pay through property tax and all the fees that you pay to use the commercial services that we offer across the parish,” Councillor Vernon said.
“You will also get the opportunity to know exactly what we are responsible for, and what we are not responsible for, and also things that we are not responsible for, but we pay for, such as solid waste, and Jamaica Public Service Company bill. Those are all on our budget,” he explained.
The City Hall will include a question-and-answer segment, where residents will be able to raise concerns about the proposed budget and discuss matters affecting their communities.
Representatives from ministries, departments and agencies are expected to be present to assist with responding to issues that fall outside the Corporation’s jurisdiction.
Councillor Vernon said feedback from residents will be considered as the budget is finalised, with adjustments being made, where necessary, to reflect the economic realities of the city and municipality before it is submitted to the Ministry for final approval.
Persons who are unable to attend the meeting in person will be able to follow the proceedings online and via Nationwide radio station or the JIS livestream, with comments also being facilitated through the available online platforms.
“Persons can tune in, listen to the conversation, and send their comments, so that we can use it to adjust what we are finalising, and I must say that in the budget we have to take it to the people, make the adjustments, as they should reflect the economic reality of the city and the municipality,” he said.
Writer: Reneek Brown