FAQs
What is the difference between operating and capital budgets?
The Operating Budget funds an array of programs and services such as emergency, child care, library, care and maintenance of cemeteries, parks and facilities, recreational events, solid waste management including waste/recycling pick up and landfill operations, snow removal, road maintenance, general government and much more. It focuses on the delivery of services and programs in our community. Wages, utilities, insurance, licenses, etc. are examples of the nature of expenses to help provide those services.
The Capital Budget funds new, replaced, enhanced, and rehabilitated infrastructure. Examples include new and replaced sidewalks, road reconstruction, major repairs and maintenance that could extend the life of our assets such as buildings, etc. The budget helps identify priority infrastructure projects to take care of our current and future needs.
What is the budget process?
The process begins with Council setting their goals and priorities for the Town. This can be achieved through a Strategic Plan, Council Mandate, and other important directives set by policy or resolution.
A budget schedule is established to provide stakeholders with anticipated deadlines in hopes of approving the final budget in a timely fashion. It includes dates and goals for priority setting, draft reviews, budget meetings and presentations, and by-law establishments.
In the Fall, a draft budget is presented to Council for review. It provides an opportunity for deliberations and requests for further information to bring us closer towards a final budget, typically passed in the beginning of the following year.
Council approves the entire budget through by-laws. The Water and Wastewater budgets are similar to the Tax-Based Operating and Capital Budgets described above, however funded by Water and Wastewater rates.