Title
2018 Budget Philosophy, Calendar and Tax Rate Analysis
Proposed Motions
1. That Council receive the Tax Rate Analysis as information; and,
2. That Council approve the 2018 Budget Philosophy and the 2018 Budget Calendar as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motions.
Purpose
To provide Council with information on the 2018 budget process and to receive direction from Council on any program or service level changes.
Summary
The budget process provides an opportunity for Council and Administration to examine all service areas and determine the resources that will be required in the 2018 fiscal year to increase, reduce, or maintain each service. The Municipal Budget puts into operational practice the broad objectives established in Council's Strategic Plan.The Municipal Budget will also provide Administration with the resources required to accomplish Council's desired program and service level goals balanced by the expectations of residents and their ability and willingness to pay for those services.
One of the first steps in the annual budget process is for Council to provide direction on program or service level changes for Administration to work with when developing the budget. Administration has enclosed the 2018 Budget Philosophy (Attachment 1), which outlines the guiding principles Administration is to follow when preparing the budget, a Tax Rate Analysis (Attachment II), and the 2018 Budget Calendar (Attachment III) which provides key dates for the completion and Council approval of the 2018 Budget on Tuesday, December 12th, 2017 and the Final Budget on Tuesday, April 10, 2018.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
Pillar - Responsible Leadership
Guiding Principle 4.1: We are recognized leaders in municipal governance, managing our resources responsibly and sustainably, ensuring we leave a vibrant and resilient community legacy to those that follow us.
Core Value - Responsibility: We focu...
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