The Town of Comox staff will present the 2023 proposed capital and special project budget on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, and the operating budget on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
Over the next few months, the newly elected Council will identify and create a strategic plan which will inform the Town's major priorities over the next four years. While this plan is created, Town staff have identified two main goals for the draft budget. The proposed budget will focus on investment in infrastructure renewal and support for existing programs and services.
The Town’s proposed utility service rates (including water, sewer, garbage, marina, parcel tax for water and sewer, and miscellaneous fees) for 2023 will also be on the February 1, 2023, agenda for Council’s consideration and approval.
Town Council will meet over the first half of 2023 to discuss the needs and service levels in the various municipal departments during committee meetings, usually held on the second Wednesday of the month. These discussions will provide an overview of the departmental considerations that will impact budget decisions for the remainder of the term. The community is invited to listen and learn more about Town’s services and programs, along with planned initiatives for the upcoming year.
For the last few years, Town staff have been developing the data to better understand the recognized infrastructure gap which must be prioritized. An infrastructure gap refers to the Town’s need to fund and support ongoing work and replacement of facilities, roads, underground pipes, parks, trails and sidewalks, etc. There is good reason to invest money into the Town’s infrastructure. The future sustainability of our community depends on well-maintained roads, parks, trails, and facilities. These assets deteriorate over time and those built decades ago need to be replaced or maintained for future use.
Here are some key dates leading up to the approval of the budget:
Meeting Date | Type of Presentation |
February 1, 2023, 5 p.m. Council Chambers | Capital and special projects, utility service rates |
February 15, 2023, 5 p.m. Council Chambers | Operating budget |
April 5, 2023, 5 p.m. Council Chambers | Tax setting after BC assessment releases their updated property roll numbers |
*Dates are subject to change based on Council deliberations.
The community can follow the budget process by visiting the Town’s website at comox.ca/budget. Residents can address Council during the ‘public question period’ at the Regular Council meetings listed in the table. Council Chambers is located at 1801B Beaufort Avenue. The public can also listen online by subscribing to the Town of Comox YouTube channel.
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Media Contact:
Jordan Wall, Chief Administrative Officer
jwall@comox.ca
250-339-2202