Parksville council cancelled their 2012 provisional budget process which would normally run through November 2011 — when the municipal election is scheduled.
Since it would be difficult to complete the process well before the election, staff recommended it was better to cancel it and focus on an enhanced final budget after the election.
The city normally does a provisional, final and revised budget every year, but the five year financial plan is updated every year and gives staff the authority to incur expenditures until the final budget is complete, required by law by May 15.
The provisional budget allows new spending to start before the final budget is approved and streamlines the final budget process. Canceling it may delay the start of some work.
Chief administrative officer Fred Manson confirmed for council they can still revise the budget at any time — with proper public consultation — in the event of emergency or unforeseen needs.
Council passed the recommendation with councillor Teresa Patterson voting against.
Meanwhile work on the 2011 to 2015 Final Budget and Financial Plan is ongoing.