By Cecilia Nasmith

The Town of Cobourg has announced its schedule of budget meetings – all open for members of the public to observe – leading up to the preparation of its 2020 municipal operating and capital budgets.

“This council is committed to refurbishing, restoring and revitalizing our town assets for 2020 with a goal for the budget at 1.9%,” Deputy Mayor Suzanne Seguin announced in the town's press release.

“As we begin this budget process, we must all keep in mind the five key pillars identified in the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan, including people, places, program, partnerships and prosperity,” Seguin added.

Four division-staff presentation meetings are planned, during which directors and managers will update council and the public on potential capital projects, special one-time projects and anticipated request for staffing-level changes. All will take place at 3 p.m. in council chambers.

On Nov. 19, council will hear representatives of Planning and Development Services, General Government Services and Economic Development.

On Nov. 21, council will hear from Protection services (fire and police) as well as the Art Gallery of Northumberland and the Cobourg Public Library.

On Nov. 26, council will hear from Public Works and Environmental Services.

On Nov. 28, council will hear from Community Services.

Thereafter, there are three key dates in the process.

On Dec. 13, a draft budget will be released for public review and comment.

On Jan. 9, a special council budget session (in committee-of-the-whole format) will see the budget reviewed in its entirety from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in council chambers.

On Feb. 3, the final approval by council of the budget as amended will take place at the regular council meeting, which has a special 4 p.m. starting time (two hours earlier than usual).

The Town of Cobourg reminds citizens that on-line engagement is now available through the Engage Cobourg platform, where feedback on the budget will be accepted through a comprehensive Financial Framework Survey and open-ended forum. All comments received by these means will be included in a staff report prepared by the Communications Department for council's consideration.

For more information on the 2020 municipal operating and capital budget, visit www.cobourg.ca/2020budget.