Each year, the Town of Smithers develops a budget to guide how municipal services are funded and delivered. The process begins with departmental operational budgets, which outline the day-to-day costs of running Town services such as public works, protective services, recreation, administration, and utilities.

These operational budgets are reviewed by the Finance Committee, a committee of Council that examines staffing levels, service costs, and efficiencies, and asks questions before making recommendations to Council.

Once operational budgets are reviewed, the Finance Committee then considers the capital budget, which focuses on larger, long-term investments such as roads, buildings, equipment, and infrastructure. Capital planning looks ahead several years to help manage aging assets and plan responsibly for future needs.

Public input is an important part of the budget process. Finance Committee meetings are open to the public, include a three-minute speaking period, and residents can also submit written comments to general@smithers.ca for inclusion on future agendas.

The current forecasted property tax increase is 4.37%. The breakdown includes:
• 2.47% for baseline cost increases (inflation)
• 1.22% for Infrastructure Reserve transfers
• 1.50% for RCMP funding
• 0.24% for Visitor Information Centre cost increases
• 0.36% for Library cost increases
• Offset by -1.43% from increased revenues such as user fees and charges and leases.

Key Council Decisions
The draft budget includes a proposed $3 million for New Library renovations over 2026–2027, as well as a Fire Truck replacement valued at $1.2 million. Council will be discussing the financing approach and providing direction, including whether to use long-term debt, Resource Benefit Alliance funding, or a mix of both.

View the agendas and staff reports at:
https://smithers.civicweb.net/document/277695

Finance Committee meetings are open to the public and live-streamed on our Facebook page. Written comments can be sent to general@smithers.ca for inclusion on future agendas.