Understanding the Budget

The City of Winnipeg delivers many services and it may be challenging to understand which department does what, when and how – AND how it relates to the budget process AND  to your taxes.  I’ve found this  Our Budget, Forward Facts  booklet to be very helpful in understanding the services delivered by the City of Winnipeg.  This booklet was produced in spring, 2014 to help in the development of the 2015 budget.

The 2015 preliminary budget was tabled on March 3, 2015 and is available for the public to view on the City of Winnipeg website.

The preliminary budget for 2015 will maintain and increase spending in priority areas, despite revenue challenges resulting from the legacy of 14 years of property tax cuts and freezes.  A budget overview is available in the Message from the Mayor and the Chair of Finance.

If you wish to address any items in the 2015 preliminary budget, you can register to speak (in support or in opposition) of budget decisions by emailing 311@winnipeg.ca  or calling 311.  When you contact 311, they will assist you and identify which meeting date and time you should attend in relation to the topic you wish to speak on, as outlined below

Friday, March 6, 2015 – Winnipeg Police Board Meeting

Monday, March 9, 2015 – Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services

Tuesday, March 10, 2015 – Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development

Monday, March 16, 2015 – Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works

Tuesday, March 17, 2015 – Special Executive Policy Committee to hear delegations on Budgets

Wednesday, March 18, 2015 – Executive Policy Committee to consider Standing Policy Committee recommendations and table final recommendations

Monday, March 23, 2015 – Special Meeting of Council to pass Budgets