The city of St. John’s has begun its preparations for the 2022 budget.

Residents are invited to participate in a phased-in public engagement process that has already begun.

70 percent of all the city’s revenue comes directly from the water tax and residential and commercial property taxes.

The city anticipates an $8 million reduction in revenue for 2022, due to an overall drop in property values – add to that a projected increase in expenditures of $5.2 million.

A discussion forum is now available on the city’s website, with includes a tax calculator and tax receipt that gives property owners a breakdown of how their taxes are used to fund programs and services.

Residents will be invited to submit feedback on a variety of topics throughout the summer.

Following the municipal election, the city will host ward-based sessions stating in October.