Budget process changed by provincial legislation

By Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Tillsonburg’s annual budget process will be changed by recent provincial legislation.

In a report to council on June 16, Director of Finance/Treasurer Renato Pullia explained that provincial changes to the Municipal Act this April enacting Strong Mayor Powers for many municipalities, including Tillsonburg, meant the mayor is delegated more control over the budget. The first step of this, which already occurred, was the mayor was to direct staff to prepare a budget.

The budget will then be presented to the mayor for consideration. The legislation states the budget must be presented to council by Feb. 1. For Tillsonburg next year, the budget will be tabled on Jan. 2, 2026.

“Once it is presented, council has a 30-day period to provide amendments to the budget,” Pullia said.

The mayor can veto those amendments, but then council can override the mayor’s decision with a two-thirds majority vote. Council still has a say in releasing funds from the tax rate stabilization reserve, which is a normal part of the process.

Previously, the budget process involved all of council in sessions typically starting in November.

Coun. Bob Parsons noted council usually sees the draft budget earlier, and asked how it will be different this year and if council will have a chance to review it prior to January.

Pullia said it’s feasible to provide a draft to council in December to allow time for review, although the budget won’t be publicly available at this time.

“I will be reaching out to council to see if you have a priority you would like to see in the budget and/or what type of tax rate increase you would be looking for,” Mayor Deb Gilvesy said, adding she would do that within the week.

The mayor noted the changes have required a lot of work by the CAO, Director of Finance, Clerk and herself.

“It’s been a lot to absorb and the report is comprehensive,” she said.

Council accepted the report for information but also cancelled the previously-scheduled budget sessions for Nov. 18 and Dec. 2, and added a new budget session on Jan. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.