Americans give stamp of approval to Brampton’s budget process

The City of Brampton’s budget presentation process has been honoured by a U.S. federal finance association for the fifth consecutive year.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award – given by the Government Finance Officer Association (GFOA) – is an “impressive achievement,” citing the extra pressures to deliver a budget during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This award represents a significant achievement in financial transparency and good governance,” he said.

To receive the award the City of Brampton had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for an effective budget presentation in the areas of policy documents, financial plans, operation guides and a communications device.

Budget documents must be rated proficient in all four categories and in 14 mandatory criteria in all to qualify.

City Council approved the 2021 budget on December 9, 2020, freezing property taxes for the third consecutive year, and making record contributions of $114 million to reserves.

Regional Councillor Paul Vincente, the vice-chair of the Budget Committee, said a “clear, transparent and informative budget” was the key in earning the award, a sentiment also shared by Chief Administrative Officer David Barrick, who called the achievement a “testament” to the City’s commitment to deliver “the best for our community, echoing our efforts to remain a well-run city.”

There are more than 1,600 participants in the GFOA’s Budget Awards Program. The GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources and practical research for more than 20,500 members.