2025 Budget Consultations

November 19th, 2024 Update

Announcement to Residents: Update on the Draft Budget Process

Each year, Council works diligently to develop a budget that reflects the needs and priorities of our community while ensuring responsible management of municipal resources. In the past, draft budgets were shared for public review before final adoption. However, after careful consideration and consultation with municipal professionals, Council has made the decision to present only the final approved budget moving forward.

This decision, which will be ratified at the next public Council meeting on November 26. This includes rescinding the previously adopted motion 2024-181 to present a Draft Budget 2025 to the public. Below, we explain why this approach best serves the needs of our residents and the municipality as a whole.

Key Reasons for This Decision

  1. Providing Accurate and Finalized Information

A draft budget is an early framework that undergoes significant adjustments as Council works through priorities and constraints. Sharing this preliminary document could lead to misunderstandings or confusion about the final budget details. By waiting until all changes are complete, we ensure residents receive a comprehensive and accurate representation of our financial plan.

  1. Avoiding Unrealistic Expectations

Community input is critical to shaping our budget, and we are grateful for the ideas and feedback received through consultations and surveys. However, not all suggestions can be accommodated due to budget limitations and competing priorities. Sharing an early draft may create expectations that cannot be met, potentially leading to disappointment or frustration.

  1. Focusing on Long-Term Strategic Goals

Council’s responsibility is to balance immediate needs with long-term priorities. Releasing a draft budget prematurely could shift attention to short-term pressures that might not align with the municipality’s broader goals. Waiting until the budget is finalized ensures that decisions are made strategically and in the best interest of the community’s future.

  1. Protecting the Integrity of the Budget Process

The budgeting process involves complex analyses and deliberations over many months that must remain collaborative and constructive. Sharing an incomplete draft could lead to the premature release of speculative information, which may disrupt the process or lead to unnecessary confusion.

  1. Aligning with Best Practices in Municipal Governance

Many municipalities follow the practice of presenting only finalized budgets to the public. This approach reflects professionalism, accountability, and consistency in governance, ensuring that the information shared with residents is reliable and actionable.

  1. Encouraging Constructive Engagement at the Right Time

Community feedback is most effective during the early stages of the budgeting process, such as during surveys and consultation sessions. Council remains committed to engaging with residents at these critical points, ensuring that input is reviewed and considered before final decisions are made.

Maintaining Transparency and Public Engagement

We understand the importance of transparency and remain committed to keeping residents informed and involved in municipal decisions. This change in approach is not a step away from transparency but rather a means to ensure clarity and accuracy in our communications.

Throughout the fall, Council has carefully reviewed the feedback provided by residents, with over 280 surveys completed, 2 public consultation sessions, and a pop-up at Fall Festival. Your input has played a vital role in shaping the 2025 budget, and we thank everyone who participated.

We encourage residents to continue sharing their ideas, priorities, and concerns with staff and Council throughout the year. Constructive input remains a cornerstone of our decision-making process, and we are always open to exploring new methods of public engagement for future budgets.

Looking Ahead

The finalized 2025 budget will be presented soon, and we are confident it will reflect the needs of our community while maintaining fiscal responsibility. We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to work toward a balanced, thoughtful, and forward-thinking financial plan.

If you have further questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to staff or your Council representatives.

Thank you for your continued engagement in building a stronger future for our municipality.

 

Previous Update

Overview

What’s working well and how can we improve?

Council is seeking input from residents, businesses, stakeholders, and community groups to help us create a 2025 budget that works for everyone.

Please check back to this page and stay tuned on our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, for updates.

Presentations and Community Consultations

Schedule of Meetings:

Budget Consultations Open Public Meetings

An open forum for residents and Council budgetary engagement, community groups, businesses, individuals, or other stakeholders are invited to book a presentation time to provide insight on your ideas for the new budget, on October 8th. Input is welcomed during the sessions from residents.

  • Budget Consultations Open Public Meeting, Session #1
    • Date: Monday, October 7th 2024
    • Time: 7:00 pm
    • Location: PCSP Recreation Centre (next to Town Hall), 3 Rainbow Gully Road
  • Budget Consultations Open Public Meeting, Session #2
    • Date: Tuesday, October 8th, 2024
    • Time: 7:00 pm
    • Location: The Grounds Cafè located in Murray’s Garden Centre

Residents, community groups, businesses, and other stakeholders are encouraged attend.

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