Budgeting & Finance

Participants will explore the value of aligning financial decisions with the values, priorities and long-term vision for the community. This course supports elected officials in gaining a strong foundation in understanding how to interpret financial information to make informed decisions about funding, reserves, debt and taxation.

What is covered in Budgeting & Finance?

Introduction to Municipal Finances

Learn how municipal finances are structured and guided by legislation
Explore policy and priority setting influence financial decisions
Understand the key principles of transparency, accountability and sustainability

Assessment & Taxation

Learn how properties are assessed, and taxes are calculated
Explore the relationship between assessment, mill rates, and revenue
Understand how to communicate tax impacts to the public

Strategic Financial Planning

Learn how planning support long-term sustainability
Explore the connection between strategic & business plan and budgets
Understand how decisions impact priorities, investments and trade-offs

Reserves & Debt Management

Learn the different types of reserves and their intended uses.
Explore how municipalities use debt.
Understand how these tools support long-term financial health and flexibility

Understanding Budgets

Learn the difference between capital and operating budgets
Explore the budget cycle and how council engages at each stage
Understand how assumptions, trends and pressures impact service levels.

Financial Monitoring

Learn how to interpret key documents and reports
Explore trends, indicators and questions council should ask
Understand how transparency supports decision making and builds trust