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First draft of 2023 budget goes to Collingwood council this week

The town will be hosting virtual and in-person public meetings to gather feedback on the draft budget
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Erika Engel/CollingwoodToday

One of Collingwood council's first tasks in office will be to review and approve the 2023 town budget. The first draft will be delivered to council for a special meeting on Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. 

Following the council meeting, there will also be in-person and virtual public meetings to gather feedback on the draft. 

The first draft of the budget takes into consideration the 341 public responses received to a survey that was live online between Aug. 12 and Sept. 27.
 
“Although this survey was not statistically significant it can help both council and staff determine where there are areas of major concern and/or confirm the direction for the annual budget process,” said Treasurer Monica Quinlan in a news release from the town. “We hope more residents will follow along with the budget process and participate by providing their input at one or more of the many opportunities for public engagement.”
 
There are multiple opportunities to continue to provide input on the 2023 draft budget.
Upcoming public meetings and public engagement opportunities include:

  • November 23, 2022 - Special Strategic Initiatives Committee Meeting (2 p.m.): The first draft of the 2023 municipal budget will be presented to members of council.
  • November 28, 2022 - Coffee with Council (virtual and in-person sessions): These public meetings will include a short presentation from the treasurer and provide an opportunity for the public to speak and share ideas with members of council and senior staff. A virtual session will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and an in-person session will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the FreeSchools Room, Collingwood Public Library. A link for the virtual session will be posted on https://engage.collingwood.ca/2023-municipal-budget-join-the-conversation on Nov. 28.
  • December 5, 2022 - Strategic Initiatives Committee Meeting (2 p.m.): The treasurer will present the second draft of the budget and a summary of the public responses received.
  • December 14, 2022 - Special Strategic Initiatives Committee Meeting (2 p.m.): The treasurer will present the third draft of the budget.
  • January 9, 2022 - Strategic Initiatives Committee Meeting (2 p.m.): The treasurer will present the fourth draft of the budget.
  • Date for final budget approval to be determined. 

Municipalities are required to create a balanced budget every year. That can include taking on debt to pay for large capital projects or purchases, but there must be enough money in the budget to fund day-to-day operations through taxation and other revenue. 
 
You can submit comments and follow along with the progress of the 2023 Collingwood municipal budget online here: engage.collingwood.ca.