2012 approved budget and financial plan - Regional Municipality of ...

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A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
On behalf of Council, I am very pleased to present the 2012 Operating and Capital
Budget for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
It is no small task to create a budget for a Municipality that spans over 63,000 kilometres
and includes urban and rural centres as well as extensive wilderness. I am pleased to say
that our administrative team has successfully accomplished this. I should not be surprised
though as last year, the Government Finance Officers Association recognized the team
with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for our 2011 budget. Congratulations
on that accomplishment and on the creation of this budget document.
2011 has been a very important year for our region’s future. As a Council, we have
approved the Municipal Development Plan (MDP), the map that will guide us over the
next twenty years. We have also approved the Strategic Plan and Business Plans which
flow from the MDP.
I am pleased that the 2012 budget supports and focuses on the objectives of the MDP,
namely charting a course for Wood Buffalo to be a global model for sustainable living in
the north. Fiscal stability, sustainability, and addressing the needs of our community via
operations and capital funding allocations are among the highlights aligning the budget
with our strategic and development plans.
Balancing the current and future needs of the community we’ve created a document that
fulfills community aspirations by improving the quality of life for all residents. This
budget demonstrates the efforts of Council and staff to build a vibrant community
through the most effective and efficient ways possible.
As this budget helps to make the MDP a reality, our future begins today!
Sincerely,
Melissa Blake, Mayor
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo