Cash-strapped Adur Council faces making big cuts in its services in a bid to slash spending by £200,000.
Residents could face a 15p-a-week rise in their council tax bills if the savings cannot be found elsewhere.
They will be asked which district council services they consider vital and where they think savings can be made.
A survey has been sent out to the council's 1,200-strong residents' panel.
Other residents can have their say by filling in a questionnaire in the council's community paper, Adur Outlook, which will be delivered free to all homes in the area next week.
Council leader Neil Parkin said: "We want to have a full and meaningful consultation about the budget.
"We are asking a simple question about whether we should make cuts or increase council tax. If people feel we should make savings, then we are asking which services we should cut."
Residents have until November 30 to return questionnaires.
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