The Township of Scugog is encouraging residents to help shape the municipality’s 2027 budget by participating in a series of public town hall meetings and online engagement opportunities later this month.
As staff begin preparing the draft municipal budget, the Township is seeking community feedback on spending priorities, municipal services, infrastructure investments, and future projects that matter most to residents.
Three Public Town Halls Scheduled
Residents are invited to attend one of three in-person public meetings, all taking place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The scheduled sessions include:
- July 20 – Greenbank Community Hall
- July 21 – Scugog Library
- July 22 – Nestleton Community Centre
Town officials say the meetings will provide an opportunity for residents to discuss local priorities, ask questions, and share ideas that will help guide the Township’s financial planning for 2027.
Online Survey and Budget Builder Available
Residents who cannot attend one of the public meetings can still participate through the Township’s online budget engagement portal.
The website features an online survey where community members can submit comments and priorities for the upcoming budget.
An interactive Budget Builder tool is also available, allowing residents to create and submit their own balanced municipal budget. The tool helps participants better understand how tax dollars are allocated while exploring the costs of delivering municipal programs, services, and infrastructure projects.
Town officials hope the online resources will make the budget process more accessible and encourage broader community participation.
Focus on Responsible Spending
Mayor Wilma Wotten said she has directed Township staff to prepare a budget that maintains existing municipal service levels while continuing to invest in community infrastructure and capital projects.
She also emphasized the importance of limiting any budget increase to no more than the Consumer Price Index (CPI) whenever possible, balancing responsible financial management with the needs of residents.
The Township’s budget will continue to focus on maintaining municipal assets, delivering essential services, and completing priority capital improvements throughout the community.
Municipal Election Changes Budget Timeline
Unlike previous years, the 2027 budget process has been adjusted because of this fall’s municipal election.
Although Township staff will prepare the draft budget later this year, the document cannot be officially adopted until the newly elected Council has had an opportunity to review it.
The proposed budget is scheduled to be presented to the new Council on January 18, 2027.
Council members will then have the opportunity to propose amendments before final approval.
If no amendments are introduced, the budget will automatically be adopted on February 18, 2027.
Should amendments be made, the Mayor has the authority to veto changes. However, Council can override a veto with a two-thirds majority vote.
Under the current schedule, the latest possible adoption date for the Township’s 2027 budget is March 16, 2027.
Scugog officials encourage all residents to participate in the consultation process to help ensure the 2027 budget reflects community priorities and supports the Township’s long-term goals.
