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. You can learn more with our Five-Year Financial Plan bylaw by clicking here - https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/?preview=84318. If necessary, a budget amendment bylaw will be presented to Council later in the year.
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.