FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2021

District of Oak Bay receives Distinguished Budget Award

The District of Oak Bay has been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the District’s 2020-2024 Financial Plan. This is the first time that Oak Bay has received this award.

“This award demonstrates the District’s dedication to producing a transparent financial plan that provides the community with accessible information regarding the District’s budget,” stated the Director of Financial Services, Christopher Paine.

To earn this award, budget documents must adhere to strict program criteria and excel as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications tool.

“I’m very pleased to see this award, as it provides external recognition of Council and staff’s shared commitment to quality and consistent budget and reporting documents,” said Mayor Kevin Murdoch. “Comprehensive documents like the Financial Plan, and related reporting of results throughout the year, all help provide Oak Bay residents with a thorough understanding of how their tax dollars are spent.” 

The Government Finance Officers Association was founded in 1906 and represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada. The associations more than 20,000 members are federal, state/provincial, and local finance officials deeply involved in planning, financing, and implementing thousands of governmental operations in each of their jurisdictions. GFOA’s mission is to advance excellence in public finance.

2021 Budget Process

The District’s draft 2021-2025 Financial Plan is available for review at www.oakbay.ca/budget. The upcoming budget meetings will take place on the following dates:

• Committee of the Whole Budget Meeting #1
  Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
• Committee of the Whole Budget Meeting #2
  Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
• Committee of the Whole Budget Meeting #3
  February 18, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

Members of the public are encouraged to provide input and can do so in the following ways:

1. Provide written comments via mail, drop off at Municipal Hall or email to administration@oakbay.ca before noon on the day of the meeting to have your input shared with Council through the Agenda.
2. Pre-register to speak to Council by phone at the meeting by emailing  administration@oakbay.ca before noon on the day of the meeting and providing your name and the number you will be calling from to receive instructions on how to dial in and participate in the meeting. 
3. Phone in during the live meeting.

For more information on public participation during the 2021 budget process, please visit: www.oakbay.ca/agendas. The budget meetings will also be livestreamed at:  https://oakbay.civicweb.net/portal/.   

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For media inquiries, please call:
Christopher Paine
Director of Financial Services
250.598.3311
cpaine@oakbay.ca