Zero-Based Budgeting for Kings County

As Mayor, I will champion a "Zero-Based Budget” approach and a discussion of how it can benefit us all by setting the wheels in motion for an ambitious, but necessary budget and program review. I am not in favour of that, particularly as it will place a barrier that will be difficult to mount for first time home-buyers.

There is no doubt that unforeseen higher costs for everyone are here. At the household level, many see less ability to spend as freely as before because the costs of  housing, transportation, and food have risen without a corresponding rise of household income.

With increased property assessments, our municipality is experiencing an increase in revenues while inflation as well as extreme weather events represent higher costs ahead for maintenance and replacement of infrastructure. There is no better time than now to see how we can be better at spending the tax dollars entrusted to Council.

We can create a municipal culture where council and staff think about how all dollars are spent and if all programs are giving us the value intended.

How can we do this? 

As your Mayor, I will collaborate with Council and staff to bring zero-based budgeting practices to the Municipality of the County of Kings. I am confident our Chief Administrative Officer and our Department of Finance have the skills required to see this through if it is the will of your Council.

In brief...

Traditional budgeting usually results in an incremental increase over the prior year's budget. This occurs year after year and sets a course for budgets to always be on the increase.  This is likely why the current council saw no other course for funding the proposed aquatic centre than applying a Deed Transfer Tax. If we don't look at the potential use of current revenues-then the only way to add a service is to find a new tax.

In contrast, zero-based budgeting requires a justification of both old and new expenses. This means that all expenses must be evaluated based on their importance, relevance, and value to the our goals and objectives. Lower versus higher costs can result. 

For a municipality, like the County of Kings, that has used traditional budgeting methods forever, this new approach to budgeting will be challenging.

We have a highly qualified and and dedicated Chief Administrative Officer and Department of Finance. They can lead us through a zero-based budget and program review with the same level of enthusiasm and excellence they are known for. I am very confident that zero-based budgeting at Kings County will be successful in helping Council, staff and community members gain new insights,  opportunities, and confidence about how our tax dollars are used.