CENTRE WELLINGTON – Centre Wellington was one of 169 municipalities to be given access to “strong mayor powers” in April.
Among powers and duties is the following:
- Proposing the municipal budget, which would be subject to council amendments and a separate head of council veto and council override process.
With new strong mayor powers affecting budget processes in Centre Wellington, Mayor Shawn Watters says this will be something to “navigate,” as council works its way through the document.
This concept spurred questions from a handful of councillors at the meeting Monday, including councillor Barb Evoy, who said it will make it difficult for all members of council this budget season.
Questions from Evoy and others included whether public engagement on the budget process would occur moving forward.
CAO Dan Wilson cautioned council this is the “mayor’s budget,” which changes the process.
Watters told council he very much looks forward to working together on the 2026 budget.
After a lengthy discussion council chose to defer recommendations before them to a July meeting. Treasurer and Managing Director of Corporate Services Adam McNabb told those in attendance any guidance given to the mayor doesn’t have to come in a council setting.
Recommendations are anticipated to come back before council at their July 14th meeting.
