2021 Budget

The 2021 Municipal Operating and Capital Budget Process

Welcome to the Town of Cobourg's 2021 Municipal Operating and Capital Budget webpage! We've created this page to help our residents understand how the municipal budget works and how it impacts our community. For a quick review of our budget process please see our Five Step Process. 

Town staff begin working on the budget over the summer months where each department manager reviews activities and plans for the year ahead. Each department is given a departmental budget and business plan template. 

Town staff consider many factors while planning their budget, including: 

• The past year's actual spending and if there is a need to adjust the operational budget
• Any new projects that require financing
• Potential new staffing requirements
• New equipment like trucks, computers, phones, tools, etc.

Departments then submit their preliminary budgets to Finance staff who compile and review the budgets and plans, make suggestions and revise accordingly. Managers and senior staff adjust their budgets according to the Town of Cobourg's financial health, debt, reserve, reserve funds and the Capital Asset Management Plan. 

The Finance Department consolidates departmental requests which is than distributed to Council and senior staff for review. During that meeting, Council reviews the budget and ensures that it matches Council priorities. Amendments are made by Council to add, delete or modify the proposed budget. The final budget is then approved at the next Council meeting. From this tax rates are set and approved.