Budgets

View the City's operating and capital budgets for the current council term. These budgets are mainly funded by property taxes, along with water, wastewater, and parking fees.

About annual budgets

Operating Budget

The operating budget is a financial plan that covers the city’s ongoing, day-to-day expenses needed to deliver programs and services you rely on. This budget includes costs for essential items such as fire departments, insurance, and salaries. It also consists of the annual portion of your taxes committed to the Region (for garbage collection and transit) and the School Boards for education taxes. The operating budget focuses on keeping the municipality functioning smoothly.

Capital Budget

A capital budget is a plan that helps decide how to spend money on big projects that have a benefit beyond one year. These projects involve buying, building or fixing essential things, like facilities, roads, sewers and significant equipment. By creating a capital budget, the Council can plan for these costs, decide on priorities, and ensure enough money is set aside to pay for them over time.

Understanding key dates for proposed budgets

The Mayor has special powers and duties under the Municipal Act concerning budgets.  When an annual budget is proposed, these key date periods become part of the approval process:

• 30-day Review Period:  For council amendments. A Council resolution may shorten this period.
• 10-day Veto Period: This is the Mayor’s opportunity to veto amendments. It will only apply if Council amendments are brought forward during the 30-day review period.
• 15-day Override Period: The Council can override a Mayor’s veto if there is a 2/3 majority.  This only applies if the Mayor exercises veto power during the 10-day veto period.

Learn more on the Strong Mayor’s Act page. 

How to participate in the budget process

During the budget process, there are ways that you can provide your feedback.

• Engage in public surveys as they become available
• Participate in open meetings and share your views with the City Council. To speak or submit written comments on a proposed budget, please follow the guidelines on the Engaging with Council page. Start by checking the council meeting date for the proposed budget ensure you meet the deadlines for that meeting.
• Contact us: Any budget-related questions can be sent to finance@niagarafalls.ca