The meeting had begun that morning with a report that the Engage Cobourg feedback exercise drew only 20 respondents. Mayor Lucas Cleveland pointed out that it's hard to make decisions on behalf of a whole town with that small a response, though he was happy with council's project of making themselves available for appointments with citizens to discuss budget concerns.

From those 20 responses, key feedback points included keeping the police budget the same, consolidating the police service with the OPP, catching up on infrastructure where it's needed, and urging staff to continue looking for savings and cuts.

Looking ahead, the town is considering software that will allow them to pre-program in a target levy rise and then invite residents to set the budget with the priorities they have in meeting that target.

As for 2025, a final version of the budget will be decided upon at council's Dec. 18 meeting.