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Budget Process Clarification

Lamont County is aware questions have been raised by some residents regarding the annual budget process. We would like to clarify the following points:

  1. The process for 2025 is consistent with Policy 3113 – Budget Development.
    • Our budget development policy provides dates, by which, certain steps in the Budget Procedure must be completed by; this includes the approval of Budget Guidelines by September 15. This deadline is for completion, but does not prevent these steps from being completed in advance.
    • In consideration of the upcoming election process, and Council’s final meeting prior to the 2025 Municipal Election (scheduled for October 20, 2025). Administration recommended proceeding with initial Budget Committee discussions from August 18-20 at its April 29, 2025 Council Meeting, in open session.
  2. The current Council is not passing a budget for 2026. Each Council serves a four-year term and approves four budgets.
    • The budget ratification is expected at the first Council meeting in December 2025, in accordance with Policy 3113 (with the newly elected Council).
  3. The Budget Committee discussions in August are intended to provide a useful base for the incoming Council, as there is a lot of onboarding and training for councillors to complete in a very short timeframe. The newly elected Council has the opportunity to debate and deliberate the budget, and has the absolute power to reject, amend, or adopt the draft budget created by this process.
    • Incoming Councils have a challenging first few months in their term. There is a lot to learn, and requires a significant time commitment for new Council to get up and running.
    • The expectation to move from an election on October 20 to approval of a budget by the first meeting in December can be daunting. It is anticipated that the current Budget Committee deliberations will be a benefit to an incoming Council. We acknowledge that the newly elected Council retains the right to adopt a budget that meets their vision for our community.

We hope this clarifies the work being done by our outgoing Council to further aid the new Council as we transition from the 2025 Municipal Election.