New regulations shape the Smiths Falls budget as council navigates deadlines and mayoral authority
SMITHS FALLS — Smiths Falls will follow new strong mayor rules for the next municipal budget. The change introduces new deadlines and requires the mayor to present the draft budget by Feb. 1. Smiths Falls council will continue to review and debate the document.
Director of Corporate Services and Treasurer Paul Dowber presented the update to council on Oct. 27. He said the new timeline is linked to the province’s housing agenda.
“It is about supporting provincial priorities, especially how it relates to housing related objectives,” Dowber said.
Dowber told council the change will not alter the collaborative way the town prepares its budget.
“There has been a lot of camaraderie around the table,” he said.
Workshops and detailed number discussions will continue through January, the same as previous years. Dowber said that by the final meeting in January the numbers are typically settled, and the Feb. 1 presentation becomes a procedural step.
Under Ontario Regulation 530/22, which sets out the strong mayor budget rules:
- The mayor must present the draft budget to council by Feb. 1.
- Council has 30 days to propose amendments.
- The regulation includes a veto and override process.
- Council can override a veto with a two-thirds vote.
The current Smiths Falls budget policy requires council to approve the budget by Jan. 31. Dowber said the provincial deadline of Feb. 1 fits into the schedule the town already follows.
The strong mayor framework gives the mayor the authority to issue written directives to staff, appoint or remove the chief administrative officer, and chair or dissolve committees. Any directive must be posted publicly.
The new regulation does not apply to several outside bodies, including:
- Smiths Falls Police Services Board
- Smiths Falls Public Library Board
- Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
- Smiths Falls Downtown Business Association
- Lanark County shared services
Those groups follow their own governing legislation for budgeting.
Dowber also pointed out that the regulation permits the mayor to propose an in-year budget amendment that could increase the property tax levy. Council would still have the ability to amend and override. He told council that he has never seen a municipality use that option.
“I do not anticipate that is going to happen,” Dowber said.
Council received the report for information.
Related article: Smiths Falls opens 2026 budget talks with early pressures identified
Keep connected to your community—Read the latest Smiths Falls news.
Watch the latest Smiths Falls council meetings on their Youtube channel.