Budget principles

Financial planning starts with the establishment of Council’s vision for the Town through a strategic planning process. The budget process provides an avenue to prioritize and balance the allocation of available resources.

Council aims to find balance between:

  • The requirement to deliver certain services
  • Service levels
  • Master plans
  • Asset management
  • Increased cost to deliver service
  • Sustainability and affordability

Budget process

Budget planning is a year-round process. There are a number of inputs into the annual budget preparation through established Council priorities, data collection (such as feedback through formal surveys, public meetings, consultation for master plans), financial studies, and the lifecycle of assets. Throughout the year, Council is provided with financial reports on the budget.

Preparation of the annual budget begins in the summer:

  • July to December – public input, data collection and community priorities
  • September – Budget Call Report
  • November – 2024 Budget available and budget workshop
  • December – Budget meeting