This section gives a brief overview of the budget process and timeline.

August:

• CCRD staff begin prepping for budget engagement.
• A Service Satisfaction Survey will be available online and paper copies available at the CCRD downtown office from the beginning of August to August 23. The objective of this is to better understand resident satisfaction with CCRD provided services. The survey results will be reported in aggregate to the Board in a public meeting.

September:

• An informational newsletter outlining all budget dates and information will be sent to all mailboxes in the CCRD (that can receive unsolicited mail). 
• Staff begin to tabulate and review survey data for the initial budget draft.
• Staff draft the initial budget for the October board meeting.

October:

• Draft budget and survey results are presented on October 10, 2024 board meeting; Directors provide preliminary direction on financial matters.
• Potential for additional board meetings (if Directors need more time to review).
• Staff rework the budget according to Board direction.

November:

• Reworked budget is brought to the Board to eliminate any major issues of concern at the November 14^th Board meeting. Directors review the updated draft budget and provide recommendations.
• An additional Board meeting in November, may be held to review updated budget information.

December:

• Staff edit budget with Board provided recommendations.

January:

• Staff receive and review tax valuations.
• Directors review the draft budget with updated tax valuation numbers at the January 23, 2025 board meeting. Directors will direct staff to make any needed changes and approve the budget for public consultation.

February:

•  A draft copy of the budget will be available online for residents and the public to review. 
• Public engagement occurs:

1. A live online presentation will be given by the Chief Financial Officer on budget items for all residents in February (date and time TBD). Options will be provided to residents who would like to submit feedback to their elected officials.
2. One in-person engagement session in the Bella Coola Valley in February (date, time, and location TBD) for Bella Coola Valley residents. . Options will be provided to residents who would like to submit feedback to their elected officials.

• Staff will return to the Board with public engagement results and the Board will be presented with a final version of the budget with tax implications at the February 27, 2025 board meeting. The Board will consider any final changes, hear any final delegations, review the feedback and comments from the public consultation, and provide direction to staff related to the budget. The public will be encouraged to submit feedback in writing for this meeting.

March:

• Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw (budget) is adopted at the March 27, 2025 board meeting.
• Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw (budget) must be adopted by the Board by March 31. The auditor provides updated surplus numbers in March and the final budget will be presented in the March board meeting to the Board for adoption. No delegations will be accepted related to the budget at the March meeting.