Budget Process Kick-off

infographic that visualizes the five key steps of the budget process

The 2026 budget process kicks off tonight!

The Town’s budget has two key parts:

  • Operating Budget: This covers the day-to-day expenses like labour costs, fuel for Town vehicles, utilities for Town facilities, and supplies. Think of it like your ongoing monthly household expenses: groceries, phone bills, and rent.
  • Capital Budget: This funds long-term projects and infrastructure improvements, such as road upgrades, new equipment, and facility improvements (like the new drinking water well, Well 7). Think of it like a one-time or large-scale project, such as building a new garage or installing solar panels.

The Town’s budget process has five key steps:

  • Planning: Departments prepare budget and project worksheets with the support of the Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Administrative Officer works with departments to prioritize and approve before going to Council.
  • Council Consideration: Council discusses draft budgets through a series of Standing Committee on Finance meetings and provides direction to staff before the Financial Plan Bylaw is brought back to Council for first reading and the Budget Book is created. During discussions, Council reviews budget proposals and capital projects for the next five years and discusses service levels (maintain, reduce, or increase). 
  • Public Input: After the first reading of the Financial Plan Bylaw, residents are invited to review the Budget Book,  provide input and ask questions. Input can also be provided throughout the process by emailing Council at budget@golden.ca
  • Council Consideration: A summary of public input is presented to Council and changes can be made before second and third reading of the Financial Plan Bylaw.
  • Adoption:  Council adopts the 2026 Budget & Five-Year Financial Plan.

⁣Get involved! Tune into Council and Committee meetings online or in person, and stay tuned for public input opportunities in the new year.

Type
Media Releases