Collingwood, ON [22 October 2024] – The Town is pleased to announce the hiring of Jennifer Graham as the new Director, Finance/Treasurer to oversee its financial operations and guide the 2025 Municipal Budget process.
“Jennifer brings over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors, with expertise in financial management, tax advisory, and strategic financial planning. She has a strong history of success in managing municipal finance operations, budgeting, audits, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Collingwood is fortunate to have her on board guiding the Town’s budget process and overseeing financial management throughout the year,” says Sonya Skinner, CAO.
“I am excited to take on this leadership role and engage with residents through the budget process. I encourage those who have never attended Coffee with Council to come out and talk with Council and staff about how you would like your tax dollars to be spent,” says Jennifer Graham, Director, Finance / Treasurer.
Here is the updated list of opportunities to learn more and participate:
November 13 – Council will receive the first draft of the 2025 Budget during a day-long Special meeting of Council focusing on the Capital requests and Service Plans.
November 20 – Residents are invited to attend Coffee with Council, where you can learn more about the proposed 2025 Budget requests and talk with Council and staff members in an informal format. (In-person and Virtual Options will be available)
December 2 – Council will receive the second draft of the Budget, including any changes from Draft 1, which will be presented in a newly designed budget book that is more user-friendly and compliant with accessibility standards.
December 16 – Council will receive the third draft of the budget if needed, otherwise it is anticipated that Council will approve the budget on this date. If a fourth draft is required, the final budget will be presented for approval on January 13, 2025.
Last year the Town announced that it was moving towards a service-based budget approach which shows the work that staff does and what the Town, through Council direction, is trying to carry out. There are many benefits to this approach including:
- Having a clear understanding of what the current resources (human and financial) are delivering and to what level of service.
- Setting out and defining who can make what decisions.
- Allocating the resources effectively.
- Creating a framework to enable the creation and improvement of performance measures.
- Identifying best practices and efficiencies.
- Ensuring that there is no duplication of efforts and that the efforts are being conducted by the appropriate resources; and
- Being the framework for risk management analysis.
Residents are encouraged to follow along, attend, and participate in the budget process. Learn more and subscribe to follow along and be notified of engagement opportunities at engage.collingwood.ca/2025budget.
Residents are also welcome to provide feedback in writing by emailing budget@collingwood.ca or dropping off a letter at Town Hall, 97 Hurontario Street.
