Each year, under Section 165 and 166 of the Community Charter, the City must develop a five-year financial plan and undertake a public consultation process before the plan is adopted. City Council and staff work together to develop a plan that supports the needs of the community, aligns with the Cranbrook Strategic Plan, and keeps property taxes stable and affordable.
The budget process begins with planning sessions between City Council and senior staff where projects are identified and categorized based on importance, and eventually form the basis of the Five-Year Financial Plan. Members of the public are invited to attend special budget meetings and submit comments and questions in writing. Council receives a large amount of information and directs staff to make changes where they feel better alignment with their objectives can be achieved. After a public consultation period, the budget is finalized through three readings and adoption of the Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw. If necessary, a budget amendment bylaw will be presented to Council later in the year.
For 2023, Council proposes a 5.87% municipal tax levy increase.
Municipal tax dollars deliver core services that meet the needs of Cranbrook residents – things like police and fire protection; library; public transit; recreation facilities; road and sidewalk maintenance; and other city infrastructure. Service levels are reviewed annually to ensure they serve the community appropriately and remain sustainable.
Proposed Five-Year Financial Plan (2023 to 2027):
2023-2027 Proposed Five-Year Financial Plan Information Package
Your Tax Dollars At Work
View Past Five-Year Financial Plan Summaries here:
2022-2026 Information Package *
2021-2025 Information Package *
2020-2024 Information Package *
2019-2023 Information Package *
2018-2022 Information Package *
* These documents contain dated information and are for historical reference only.