- July 14, 2026: The Budget 2027 webpage was created.
Budget 2027
Setting Priorities for Municipal Services, Programs and Infrastructure
The municipal budget is one of the Municipality's most important planning documents. It outlines how funding will be allocated to deliver municipal services, maintain infrastructure, and invest in projects that support our growing community.
Developing the budget requires balancing community needs and priorities with available financial resources. Council must make thoughtful decisions about the services residents rely on today while planning responsibly for the future.
Each year, municipal staff prepare a draft budget that is presented to Council for review and consideration. The budget consists of two parts:
- Operating Budget: Funds the day-to-day delivery of municipal services, programs, and operations.
- Capital Budget: Funds major infrastructure projects, facility improvements, equipment purchases, and other long-term investments.
For the 2027 Budget, residents and businesses are invited to share their feedback as part of the budget process. Community input, along with staff recommendations and Council's strategic priorities, helps inform Council's budget deliberations before the final budget is approved.
We want your input. Join us at one of three upcoming in-person events regarding the 2027 Budget.
| Upcoming Budget Engagement Events | |
| Melbourne | July 30, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm Melbourne Fire Station #3, 21912 Melbourne Rd, Melbourne |
| Mount Brydges | August 6, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm Caradoc Community Centre, 565 Lions Park Dr, Mount Brydges |
| Strathroy | August 20, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm Town Hall, Committee Room (2nd Floor), 52 Frank Street, Strathroy |
Not able to attend in-person?
Share your comments online by completing a Budget Feedback Form.
Preparing the municipal budget is a collaborative process that takes place over several months and involves staff, the Mayor, Council, and, for the 2027 Budget, input from the community.
The process begins with the Mayor directing staff to prepare the annual budget, in accordance with the Strong Mayor Powers granted to the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc by the Province of Ontario.
In July/August, residents and businesses will have an opportunity to share their feedback through a budget survey and public engagement sessions. At the same time, municipal departments begin reviewing their service levels, work plans, and the Municipality's Strategic Plan to identify operating needs and capital project priorities for the coming year.
Department budgets are then compiled and reviewed by the Finance team to assess available funding, evaluate budget requests, and ensure proposed expenditures align with the Municipality's financial goals and priorities.
Once this work is complete, a draft budget is provided to the Mayor for consideration before being presented to Council. Council reviews the proposed budget, discusses priorities, and considers public feedback before making any final decisions.
After the Mayor and Council approve the budget, it is adopted through a municipal budget by-law.
Please note: The timeline for the 2027 Budget may be adjusted due to the municipal election taking place in October 2026. As a result, budget deliberations and final approval may extend into early 2027.
A typical Budget Process looks like this:
We encourage members of the public to get involved in the budget process. This is your chance to tell us what you value and where we should prioritize spending for the coming year.
Council approved the 2026 Budget at their meeting on February 11, 2025.
View the 2026 Municipal Budget Webpage for more details.
