As Norfolk County heads into budget season, it had the potential to look much different than in previous years.
Ontario granted strong mayor powers to 169 municipalities earlier this year, including Norfolk County, giving mayors the authority to table budgets, veto council amendments, and push through spending plans aligned with provincial priorities.
But Martin told NorfolkToday that will not be happening here.
That means, like previous years, professional reporting will be guiding council’s debate and public discussions.
While the tools were designed to fast-track housing and infrastructure development, Martin said Norfolk’s budget should remain a collaborative process led by finance staff and council as a whole, and hopes to put some “safeguards” in place for the next term of council.
She wants to make sure the public is always informed and up to date with the budget process.
Something that is happening right now with staff.
Martin said her approach is about keeping Norfolk’s finances responsible, transparent, and focused on community needs as they begin looking at the budget over the coming months.