Community Input on City's Budget Key to Securing Financial Sustainability
“Vaughan Council has consistently emphasized the importance of sound financial planning, with the aim of providing value for the tax dollar and improving the overall quality of life in Vaughan,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “We are building a world-class city and a comprehensive budgeting process prepares us for the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead, and helps us secure the future financial sustainability of our City.”
The budget process is an integrated planning approach guided by the City’s strategic plan, Vaughan Vision 2020. It is an ongoing process that identifies key priorities, which include a Financial Master Plan, a program review and multi-year budgeting. Staff received budget guidelines at the start of the process in May and prepared business plans and base budgets by early August. These documents formed the basis to support any additional operating and capital requests.
“This year’s budget process will require Council to make some difficult decisions as we look to maintain services for our residents, provide for future infrastructure and strengthen the City’s reserves,” said Councillor Marilyn Iafrate, Chair of the Finance and Administration Committee. “Public engagement is an important component of the process and a number of meetings have been scheduled, including evening meetings, in order to encourage participation and provide ongoing opportunities for community consultation.”
“At the opening budget session, City staff presented the Draft 2013 Budget and 2014-2016 Plan, focusing on containing costs and implementing best practices,” said City Manager Clayton Harris. “Staff works diligently to develop a responsible plan that focuses resources in a way that balances current needs and objectives with those of the future.”
“At the opening budget session, City staff presented the Draft 2013 Budget and 2014-2016 Plan, focusing on containing costs and implementing best practices,” said City Manager Clayton Harris. “Staff works diligently to develop a responsible plan that focuses resources in a way that balances current needs and objectives with those of the future.”
The Committee will continue discussing items relating to the Draft 2013 Budget and 2014-2016 Plan at the remaining public meetings scheduled in December 2012 and January 2013. Residents and businesses are invited to attend:
December 3, 2012 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
December 10, 2012 7 to 10 p.m.
January 14, 2013 7 to 10 p.m.
January 21, 2012 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
December 10, 2012 7 to 10 p.m.
January 14, 2013 7 to 10 p.m.
January 21, 2012 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
All meetings are held at Vaughan City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive.