Operating Budget Preparation
The Operating Budget outlines the day-to-day costs required to deliver programs and services for the upcoming year. These expenses are comparable to typical household costs such as mortgage payments, utilities, or groceries.
Timeline and Process
Each year, starting in September, the Director of Corporate Services works closely with department supervisors to draft tentative operating budgets for each department.
Once these drafts are prepared, the Director of Corporate Services and the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) collaborate to develop a preliminary operating budget. This preliminary budget is then presented to Council during the Regular Council Meeting in December for review, recommendations, and eventual adoption.
Multi-Year Budgeting
In addition to the budget for the upcoming year, Cardston County adopts a three-year operating budget to align with the requirements of the Municipal Government Act. This means each year’s adopted budget also includes projections for the following two years.
These projected budgets are adopted in principle, meaning they are subject to review and adjustment through the same process described above.
Capital Budget Preparation
The Capital Budget funds major projects such as road construction, infrastructure upgrades, and equipment purchases. These types of expenses are similar to adding a home addition or replacing a vehicle.
Timeline and Process
During the annual operating budget development process, the Director of Operations presents a five-year capital budget to Council.
Council reviews and provides recommendations on this plan, adopting the current year’s capital budget while approving the following four years in principle. Each year, the capital budget undergoes review and potential revisions using this same process to ensure priorities and funding align with the County’s needs.