For the benefit of citizens hoping to follow the presentations that will be part of Cobourg council's budget process, the town has announced some adjustments to the previously announced schedule.
Staff presentations originally scheduled for Nov. 18 have been moved to Nov. 21, the announcement stated, adding that all meetings will be held in council chambers (third floor east at Victoria Hall, 55 King St. W.) and will be open to the public as observers.
Director and managers of scheduled departments will be given dates to update council and members of the public on their potential capital projects, special one-time projects and anticipated staffing requirements.
Those departments to be so represented at the 3 p.m. meeting Nov. 21 include Planning and Development Services, General Government Services, Economic Development, the Venture 13 Innovation Centre, the Art Gallery of Northumberland and the Cobourg Public Library.
The 3 p.m. meeting on Nov. 26 is for public works and environmental services staffers, as well as the Cobourg Fire Department.
The 3 p.m. meeting on Nov. 28 is for community services staffers, as well as the Cobourg Police Service.
The timeline thereafter calls for the draft budget to be released for public review and comments Dec. 13. A special council budget session will follow Jan, 9, a day-long exercise that runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to permit council to review the budget in its entirety. Should a second review session be required, it will take place the following day at 10 a.m.
Final capital and operating budgets are due to be presented to council for final approval at 4 pm. Feb. 3.
Though members of the public cannot make delegations at these meetings, they can offer input on-line through the town's new engagement platform, Engage Cobourg (www.engagecobourg.ca). Feedback will be accepted at this site on the 2020 budget with a comprehensive Financial Framework Survey and open-ended forums. All comments received on this platform will be included in a staff report that the Communications Department will prepare for council's consideration.
