County council holds special budget meetings
By Cecilia Nasmith
Northumberland County council announces two days of special meetings devoted to a comprehensive review of the 2021 Northumberland County budget – Dec. 9 and 10, starting at 9 a.m.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meetings will take place virtually through Zoom teleconferencing. Members of the public are encouraged to tune in to the live feed of these meetings, which will be broadcast on the county's YouTube channel at YouTube.com/CountyNorthumberland.
The press release set out steps involved in the budget-review process.
The county's budget-planning process officially begins during the second quarter of each year, with council typically establishing a target levy in June around which staff then structure their budget for the following year to submit for council's review.
The county then engages with community members through July and August to review and confirm long-term financial priorities through the Financial Framework Survey.
Based on council direction, Strategic Plan priorities and input obtained from residents through the Financial Framework Survey, each operating department develops an annual business plan and related budget through August and September. This work will identify projects and resources to be confirmed through the budget process. Departments also contribute to the review and update of the long-term plan, ensuring a rolling 10-year financial plan.
Through October and November, the Finance Department oversees consolidation of all budget input.
At county council's December meeting, the final draft budget is presented for review and discussion. Council may vote on the budget at that time, or they may provide direction to staff to make further adjustments and deliver an updated version at a subsequent meeting for review, discussion and voting.
The Treasurer’s Budget Presentation, as well as 2021 Northumberland County Budget documents, will be available online following the Dec. 9 and 10 special meetings. To access these documents, and for more information about the county’s budget process, visit Northumberland.ca/Budget.
