The Comox Valley Regional District wants people to get involved in their annual budget planning process this year.
The process, which starts on Jan. 28, will eventually lead to the passing of the annual five-year financial plan in March. Five-year financial plans are required by the province and the CVRD continues to develop long-term financial planning strategies to remain financially responsible and allow for effective service delivery.
Each service is reviewed and budgets are created based on approved work plans, organizational priorities, and sound financial practices. Beginning February 3rd, core service overviews will be presented to the CVRD Board and individual services will be presented to their respective boards, committees and commissions for review and feedback.
鈥淏udget presentations will occur until February 12 and we encourage questions, comments and feedback on the financial plans for all of our services,鈥� explains Lucy Wiwcharuk, CVRD Chief Financial Officer. 鈥淧ublic feedback will be provided to CVRD Directors and responses will be given for each question received. To align with the budget schedule, public feedback is encouraged before 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 28.鈥�
There will be a number of opportunities for people to view budget presentations between now and mid-February. These are:
- January 28 鈥� Proposed budget delivered to the CVRD Board
- February 3 鈥揅omox Valley Regional District Board
- February 4 - Black Creek-Oyster Bay (BCOB)
- February 10 - Electoral Areas Services Committee (EASC)
- February 11 鈥� Sewer Commission, Water Committee, Recreation Commission, Regional Parks and Trails Committee
- February 12 鈥� Electoral Area Services Committee (EASC) continued
Following the budget presentations, any changes or updates requested by the Board will be incorporated into the budget bylaw, including the review of any public comments. The formal readings of the budget bylaw are then conducted on:
- March 11 - Recommended Budget Bylaw presented to the CVRD Board for 1st, 2nd and 3rd reading
- March 18 - Budget Bylaw presented to the CVRD Board for adoption.
The CVRD is legally required to have its budget adopted by March 31. All questions and feedback are required by 4:30 pm on Friday, February 28.
To get involved, visit the .
