Budgets

Budget process

Northumberland County goes through a rigorous budgeting and planning process each year. Each operating department develops an annual business plan that is aligned with the County’s corporate Strategic Plan. This process looks at programs and services, budgets and key priorities for the year.

In addition to the annual budget, the Finance Department annually updates a financial model that looks over a 10-year span at the management of the County's finances. This model looks at the current budget year and provides a 9-year future financial plan for the County, ensuring a rolling 10-year plan that enables the County to plan for large projects and map out program and service delivery over the longer-term.

This annual budget process includes:

  • June: The County budget planning process officially begins in the second quarter of each year , with Council typically establishing a target levy increase in June around which staff then structures the following year’s budget for Council review.
  • July/August: As part of this annual process, the County then engages with community members in July/August to review and confirm long-term financial priorities through the Financial Framework Survey.
  • August/September: Based on Council direction, Strategic Plan priorities and input from residents obtained through the Financial Framework Survey, each operating department then develops an annual business plan and related budget throughout August and September, identifying projects and resources to be confirmed through the budget process. Departments also contribute to the review and update of the County's long-term plan, ensuring a rolling 10-year financial plan.
  • October/November: The Finance Department oversees consolidation of all budget documents throughout the months of October and November.
  • December: In December, the final draft budget is presented to County Council for review and discussion. Council may vote on the budget in December, or they may provide direction to staff to make further adjustments and deliver an updated version at a future meeting of Council for review, discussion and voting. 

2021 Budget

For an overview of the draft 2021 budget, view the presentation slides from 2021 Budget presentations to County Council:

View our 4-minute 2020 Year in Review video featuring service and program delivery highlights:
2021 Department Overviews
Draft 2021 Business Plans and Issue Papers
Draft 2021 Department Budgets and Long-Term Plans

2021 Financial Framework Survey

As part of the annual budgeting and planning process, Northumberland County engages with residents to review and confirm long-term financial priorities. These priorities ultimately direct the focus of projects and resources brought forward through the budget. 

In 2020, the County conducted a survey from July 10 to July 31, seeking feedback on key areas of focus for the long-term financial plan. Survey responses were shared in a report to County Council in August 2020. This feedback provided important insight for Council and staff consideration in drafting the 2021 Budget and updating the long-term financial plan.

To receive a digital copy of the Financial Framework Survey Results Council Report, please submit a request using our Document Request form.

2020 Budget

For an overview of the budget, view our 2020 Budget Overview infographic or the presentation slides from the 2020 Budget & Long-Term Plan Overview, presented to County Council on February 12 and 13, 2020.

To receive a digital copy of the 2020 Consolidated Budget and Long Term Plan, please submit a request using our Document Request form.