How Budgeting Works

Work is underway! Council is working hard to put together a budget for 2026. Here's a very basic rundown of the process:


1. Have your say before budget is approved

  • We are asking for your feedback before budget is finalized
  • Provide direct feedback by completing the Laker Feedback survey
  • Thanks to everyone who joined Council at the Info Night Fun Fest in September to provide feedback


2. Building the 2026 draft budget (Town staff)

  • Staff from each division and department prepare their changes: increases, decreases, savings, new projects, and staffing requests
  • Staff take this information and compile a document outlining the budget and changes
  • These budgets are prepared based on maintaining service levels for Lakers, aligning with Council's Strategic Plan, community feedback, and more.


3. 2026 Draft budget deliberations (Town staff)

  • Directors, managers, and staff from each department present their draft budget requests and information to Council
  • Council asks questions, requests changes, and works with staff to ensure resident priorities are heard
  • Council approves a draft budget


Return to the 2026 Budget home page.

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