Regina City Council has announced a new budget process that aims to increase transparency and public engagement. The new process, which was approved unanimously by council members, will see a shift from the traditional one-year budget cycle to a three-year cycle.
Under the new process, the city will develop a three-year budget plan that will be reviewed and updated annually. This will allow for a more long-term and strategic approach to budgeting, as well as providing more stability and predictability for residents and businesses.
One of the key changes in the new process is the introduction of a public engagement phase. This will give residents the opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions on the budget plan before it is finalized. Mayor Michael Fougere emphasized the importance of involving the community in the budget process, stating that “it’s their money, and they should have a say in how it’s spent.”
In addition to public engagement, the new process also includes a performance-based budgeting approach. This means that departments will be required to justify their budget requests based on their performance and outcomes. This will ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively and efficiently.
The new budget process was developed in response to feedback from residents and businesses who expressed a desire for more transparency and involvement in the budgeting process. City Manager Chris Holden stated that the new process “will provide a more comprehensive and accountable approach to budgeting.”
The city will also be implementing a new online budget tool that will allow residents to easily access and understand the budget plan. This tool will provide a breakdown of where tax dollars are being allocated and how they are being used.
The new budget process will come into effect for the 2022 budget, with the first three-year budget plan to be presented in the fall of 2021. Council members are confident that this new approach will lead to a more efficient and effective use of taxpayer dollars, as well as increased trust and engagement from the community.
In conclusion, the new budget process in Regina is a significant step towards increased transparency and public involvement in the city’s budgeting decisions. With a focus on long-term planning, public engagement, and performance-based budgeting, the city is taking a proactive approach to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used wisely.
