1.3 BUDGET PREPARATION

This section lists the Budget processes to be undertaken in order to adopt the Budget in accordance with the Act and Regulations. Officers begin preparing the operating and capital components of the Annual Budget during the period December to February. These budgets are prepared based on the actions included in the Council Plan, which is developed and reviewed after undertaking detailed community engagement activities. A summary of the Draft Budget is then prepared and delivered to Councillors in March. A workshop between officers and Council is then conducted to make any alterations to the Draft Budget. A ‘proposed’ Budget is prepared in accordance with the Act and submitted to Council in late April for approval ‘in principle’. The Local Government Act 2020 no longer requires a formal section 223 process to be undertaken, as was previously the case under the Local Government Act 1989, but instead now requires that the budget be prepared in accordance with Councils Community Engagement Policy. Golden Plains Shire make the Draft Budget available for community feedback prior to finalising a Proposed Budget for adoption. The final step is for Council to adopt the Budget after receiving and considering any submissions from interested parties. The Budget is required to be adopted and a copy submitted to the Minister by 30 June. The key dates for the budget process are summarised below:

Budget Process

Timing

1. Community Engagement Workshops Feb 2. Analysis and consideration of Community Engagement workshop feedback Feb 3. Officers prepare operating and capital budgets Dec – March 4. Council receives Summary of Draft Budget for review March/April

5. Council workshop/s conducted to review Draft Budget March/April

6. Draft Budget submitted to Council for ‘in principle’ approval April

7. Public notice advising intention to adopt Budget 8. Proposed Budget available for public inspection and comment 9. Submissions period closes (28 days) 10. Submissions considered by Council 11. Budget and submissions presented to Council for adoption 12. Copy of adopted Budget submitted to the Minister April April May June

June

June