District Budget
Page updated June 20, 2022
The Community Charter requires local governments to approve a five-year Financial Plan Bylaw each year before they adopt the annual Tax Rate Bylaw. The current year in the five-year financial plan forms the annual budget. The financial plan identifies both operating and capital expenditures balanced against revenues from such sources as:
- property tax
- sale of services
- grants
- transfers from other governments
The financial plan is developed by Council through its strategic planning process, service-level review, and citizen engagement. Additionally, the District must produce annual audited financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles through the Public Sector Accounting Board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. The audited statements must be included in the Annual Municipal Report.
Budget Process (Overview)
Updating the district’s budget is a year-long, cyclical, process.
Citizen Budget Survey
The Citizen Budget Survey is available from mid-June to mid-July, to provide residents with the opportunity to:
- learn about district services, including what is received for their tax dollars AND how much they spend on that service;
- let us know how satisfied, or not, they are with the value they are receiving for the current level of service provided; and
- provide input on district service levels and make suggestions for potential changes.
2023 SURVEY AVAILABLE UNTIL JULY 17, 2022:
Budget Development
Using the information received from the public during the citizen budget survey along with master planning documents, staff prepare a preliminary budget. This preliminary budget identifies potential changes in service levels for Council’s consideration.
Budget Presentation and Council Direction
After staff present a preliminary budget to Council and discuss service levels at a Committee of the Whole public meeting, a draft budget will be considered for first reading (introduction by Council) and second reading (initial discussion by Council) before proceeding to a community open house.
Community Budget Open House
The community is invited to an open house to discuss the potential budget with staff. Feedback received is presented to Council in advance of third reading (financial discussion by Council before fourth reading and adoption).
Third Reading
Council’s final discussion on the budget takes place in a public meeting at third reading.
Adoption
After third reading is given, the budget returns to Council at a separate public meeting for fourth reading and adoption
REPORTS FROM PREVIOUS YEAR:
- November 1, 2021 Special Council Meeting Agenda Package
- What We Heard: Budget 2022 Engagement Results
- October 18, 2021 Committee of the Whole Agenda Package
Bylaws
What’s the District of Sooke’s overall direction for the future?
- See the Official Community Plan – note a review of the document is currently underway, visit picturesooke.ca to have your say & Picture Sooke with us!
- Read about Council’s Strategic Priorities. Goals for 2019-2020 focus on building a reputable organization, demonstrating leadership in climate action and managing long-term growth while enhancing community identity, vitality, and safety.