With the 2021 Northumberland County Budget development process now underway, Council and staff are seeking feedback from residents about areas of focus for the County’s current and long-term financial priorities.
“The annual Financial Framework Survey is an opportunity for our residents to engage directly in the municipal financial planning process, helping Council to make important decisions about the allocation of tax dollars in the coming budget year and over the long-term,” states Warden Bob Sanderson. “This is an important step for ensuring transparency and accountability in our operations. As staff prepare a draft budget and updated long-term financial plan for Council’s review and consideration this December, we encourage community members to participate in this survey and inform the process.”
Each year, Northumberland County engages with residents to review and confirm long-term financial priorities. Projects and resources advanced through the annual budget process ultimately align with these priorities.
This process kicks off every year in June with Council establishing a tax levy target for the upcoming budget. Given the impacts of COVID-19 and current economic conditions, and mindful of the need to balance effective municipal operations with the pressures facing local ratepayers, County Council has directed staff to initially target and investigate the feasibility of a zero per cent tax increase for the 2021 budget year. Northumberland County is seeking feedback from the public on preferred options for balancing the 2021 Budget as required by law, and on priorities for service provision and infrastructure maintenance over the coming ten years.
To help Northumberland County shape financial framework priorities, residents are invited to complete a brief survey, open now until July 31. The survey is available online in the County’s new public consultation portal at JoinIn.Northumberland.ca.
Hard copies of the survey are available from Northumberland County headquarters at 555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
