With the fall comes municipal budget season, and Town of Collingwood staff will be meeting with council next week to hear what the town's elected officials would like to see covered in the 2025 budget.
As part of the budget process, there will also be public engagement sessions, which give residents an opportunity to also share their ideas and wishes for the 2025 budget before it gets passed.
A municipal budget must be balanced (can't plan a deficit) and include both an operating and a capital budget plan. Some, but not all, of a municipal budget is funded through the yearly property tax, with other revenue coming from user fees, grants and upper levels of government.
"To balance the budget, a careful analysis must be done regarding the level of services required to meet the expectations of the community and the realistic taxation and user fee levels," states a town news release.
On Monday, Sept. 23, the town's acting treasurer, Jennifer Graham, spoke to council about the upcoming budget process and listed some of the environmental factors, such as inflation, that will affect the budget.
From Oct. 1-3, staff will meet with council for budget workshops to speak about service enhancements and town asset priorities.
The first draft of the budget is slated to come out for the Oct. 10 council meeting, with a second draft by Oct. 21.
Residents can attend any council meeting, and can arrange with the clerk to speak to council during their meeting. There will also be a more informal opportunity on Oct. 28, in-person or virtually, to learn more about the 2025 budget and speak with council and/or staff members about it.
Staff estimate more drafts of the budget coming to council on Nov. 14, Dec. 2, and Dec. 16. It's possible council could approve the budget as early as Dec. 16.
“Approving the annual budget is one of the most critical decisions your elected Council makes. Your feedback is so helpful to us in understanding the priorities of residents and property owners when it comes to spending your tax dollars,” said Mayor Yvonne Hamlin in a news release. “A well-crafted budget is key to running a municipality effectively. It allows our expert staff to provide recommendations and guidance to council, setting the town on a successful course for the future."
Town staff will be presenting a "budget book" for the 2025 budget, one they promise will be "more user-friendly and compliant with accessibility standards."
Drafts will be posted to the budget project page on the town's website (link here ).
Residents are also welcome to provide feedback in writing by emailing [email protected] or dropping off a letter at Town Hall, 97 Hurontario Street.
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