Applications Being Accepted for Mayor’s Community Led Task Force

Cobourg, ON (August 7, 2025) – Mayor Cleveland would like to advise residents and local business owners that applications are being accepted for the Community Led Task Force. 

Under the authority of Part VI.1 (Special Powers and Duties of Head of Council) of the Municipal Act, 2001 Sections 284.3 & 284.4 (Direction to Employees) Mayor Cleveland has directed the development of a Community Led Task Force (Task Force) that will review financial options and provide community driven recommendations regarding the 2026 Operating and Capital Budget.

Mayor Cleveland has directed that the Town of Cobourg enter into an Independent Consultation Agreement with Cobourg resident, David Dexter, who will lead the Task Force. “I could not think of a better way to use the Strong Mayor Powers granted by the province, than to give authority back to a committee to recommend budget strategies and financial options,” says Mayor, Lucas Cleveland. “As a resident with over 30 years of experience working in the public sector, I know David will do well leading this Task Force to identify financial options for Council’s consideration.” 

“I am grateful to Mayor Cleveland for creating this unique opportunity for committee community input. I look forward to using my experience working within municipal government to help facilitate important discussions, and recommendations, for positive change for our residents,” says David Dexter, Community Led Task Force Consultant.

The Community Led Task Force will meet during August and September. The final report from the Task Force is to be provided to Mayor Cleveland by Mr. Dexter in October and will help inform the draft 2026 Operating and Capital Budget.

How to Apply for the Community Led Task Force:
Applications are available on Mayor Cleveland’s Strong Mayor website along with additional information regarding the Community Led Task Force Directive at www.Cobourg.ca/StrongMayorPowers  
Application deadline is Wednesday, August 13, 2025.  

2026 Budget Schedule:
As per the Mayor’s directives, the 2026 Operating and Capital Budget will be informed by staff and community recommendations:

·       Staff are actively preparing a draft 2026 Operating and Capital Budget as per previous budget cycles to be presented by November 1, 2025. Mayor Cleveland has set a target levy not to exceed 5% before growth

·       The Mayor will engage with Town of Cobourg CAO, Treasurer and Directors to generate the Final Draft 2026 Operating and Capital Budget using both staff and Task Force recommendations.

·       Using the Final Draft 2026 Operating and Capital Budget, Town staff will launch a community engagement program to gather community input and feedback on the recommended directions for 2026. Community feedback will be provided to the Mayor for consideration of the Final Draft 2026 budget.

·       The proposed Final Draft 2026 Operating and Capital Budget will be provided to each Member of Council, the Town Clerk, by December 1, 2025 and no later than December 15, 2025 for final review and discussion.