Bruce County Council begins 2023 Budget Process

At the Thursday, January 12, 2023 Corporate Services Committee Meeting, Bruce County Council began the 2023 budget process by receiving a pre-budget presentation which included budget themes, an overview of the County’s current financial position, and considerations for the 2024-2027 forecasted budget.

With the 2023 budget, Bruce County intends to strengthen the foundation of core services by changing course towards fiscal sustainability, being resilient to change, building reserves, and becoming the employer of choice in Bruce County by attracting and retaining a skilled workforce.

The 2023 draft budget package will be presented at the Thursday, January 19, 2023 Corporate Services Committee Meeting. Bruce County Council will carry budget review, discussion, and direction into February with the potential for budget approval and adoption in February or March. While Council will receive a 2023-2027 draft budget package, they will only be approving the 2023 budget. Forecasted numbers can be amended in future budget discussions.

Budget pressures for 2023 include inflation being close to 7% and construction price inflation at 14% for 2022, some federal and provincial funding not keeping up with inflation, the desire to improve our net financial asset position, and the desire to eliminate the annual infrastructure deficit over 15 years. 

Warden Chris Peabody commented, “Bruce County Council is eager to review the 2023 draft budget at the next Corporate Services Committee meeting in January. We are looking for opportunities to meet the needs of our residents, while also encouraging economic recovery and planning for the future. We will continue to pursue quality infrastructure upgrades and support-services in Bruce County. I would like to thank our staff for their hard work on building the draft budget.” 

According to Director of Corporate Services Edward Henley, “County staff are creating a responsible draft budget that reflects Council’s strategic direction and the challenges of our current times. We look forward to continuing on a fiscally responsible path.” 

Discover more about the 2023-2027 draft corporate budget at www.brucecounty.on.ca/budget. Multi-year budgeting is a best practice for municipalities, and encouraged by the Province, ensuring adequate resources for fulfilling the County’s strategic plans and goals.

For more information on the 2023 Bruce County Budget, please contact Director of Corporate Services Edward Henley at ehenley@brucecounty.on.ca.