Review process for City’s 2021 budget begins next week

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed November 20, 2020 9:00 AM

Summary

Preparations are underway for the City of Nanaimo's 2021-2025 Draft Financial Plan. Council is set to begin reviewing draft budgets and project plans over the course of four Special Finance and Audit Committee meetings on November 25, 27, 30 and December 4. Residents will then have opportunities to ask questions about the budget at an eTown Hall on December 7.

This year's budget talks will look a little different. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, meetings will be available for viewing virtually on the City website. The budget-focused eTown Hall, taking place during the December 7, 2020 Council meeting beginning at 7 p.m., will also be held virtually with residents encouraged to ask their questions on the City website at www.nanaimo.ca/etownhall, on Twitter using #NanaimoTH or in the eTown Hall event found on the City's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cityofnanaimo).

Other options to participate include calling 250-755-4521 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) leading up to December 7 or 250-755-4455 during the eTown Hall on December 7. A form has been added to a Budget Talks advertisement in the November 25, 2020 edition of the Nanaimo News Bulletin, which residents can fill out and mail in to City Hall before December 4, 2020.

The draft plan and other related documents are available to review at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/budgetinfo. Anyone wishing to watch the meetings, can view them on the City website at www.nanaimo.ca/meetings.

Link to Strategic Plan: Being transparent in the budgeting process and providing opportunities for public input contribute to the strategic priority of Governance Excellence.

Key Points

If needed, Council will continue deliberations at meetings scheduled for December 7 and 9, 2020. Please check www.nanaimo.ca/meetings for up to date meeting information.
Four Special Finance and Audit Committee meetings will be held on November 25, 27, 30 and December 4 and a budget-focused eTown Hall will be held on December 7. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, residents are encouraged to view the meetings and participate in the eTown Hall virtually.
A telephone option and mail-in form in the November 25, 2020 edition of the Nanaimo News Bulletin are available for those with limited access to a computer.
The Draft Financial Plan is a starting point and may change as work progresses during the review process.

Quotes

"The annual budget planning process is complex and takes months to prepare. As we move into the next phase of presenting a draft financial plan for Council's consideration, public input is vital. However, this year due to COVID-19 protocols, we are encouraging residents to participate in City budget talks virtually."

Laura Mercer

Director, Finance

City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

In accordance with the Community Charter, municipalities must prepare a five-year financial plan each year. Municipal Councils must adopt each annual five-year financial plan before adopting of a property tax bylaw by May 15.

Links

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Contact:

Laura Mercer

Director, Finance

City of Nanaimo

250-755-4433

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