The 2020 approved budget reflects previous Town budgets as it continues to focus on maintaining base programs and services at the rate of inflation, while providing for Council’s multi-year commitment to community safety, and a multi-year funding plan for the operation of the new Health & Active Living Plaza. The total tax levy increase is 2.8 per cent, which is equal to approximately $45 per year for the average home.

2020 Business Plan & Budget Documents

The 2020 Business Plan and Budget contains four main components. Components 1 through 3 represent the budget to support Town operations. These budgets are for the recurring expenditures or revenues that the Town can anticipate each year. These include items such as salaries and benefits, materials and supplies, and fees and charges. Component 4 contains the budget details for the one-time or project specific expenditures.

Component 1 – Operating Budget

The Operating budget represents the component of the Town operations that is primarily tax supported. Although some of the services are offset by fees and charges, there is an element of taxation revenue required to support each of these departments.

Component 2 – Development and Fee Supported Budget

The Development and Fee Supported budget represents the component of the Town Operations that is supported by fees for service (no tax support). There are five service areas that are included in this budget: Building, Planning, Development Engineering, Park Development, and Fill Operations. Each of these service areas has approved fees or charges that are intended to fully recover the cost of providing the service.

Component 3 – Water and Wastewater Budget

The Water and Wastewater budget represents the component of the Town operations that are supported by fees for service (no tax support). The Town charges water and wastewater fees to property owners based on water used. The annual fees are intended to ensure that there is full cost recovery to the Town for providing safe drinking water and maintaining the water and sewer infrastructure.

Component 4 – Capital Program Budget

The capital budget primarily represents projects or initiatives that are one-time or time specific in nature. The capital budget may include projects such as the construction of a new fire station or retaining a consultant to prepare a study. The capital budget also includes the Town's annual repair and replacement program for maintaining the Town's assets. Although the annual repair and replacement program is required each year, the individual projects and related amounts of funding will vary annually depending on the program requirements in that year. The annual repair and replacement program may include road resurfacing, sidewalk maintenance, or computer replacement.

Appendix

Contains a glossary outlining operating expenditure and revenue categories used for budgeting purposes.

2020 Tax Allocation