Township of Puslinch Annual Budget and User Fees and Charges FAQ

The Township develops its budget each year by following a structured cycle. This ensures transparency, consistency and alignment between Council, staff and the community. Below you will find answers to common questions about the annual Township budget process.

What is the timeline the Township follows for the annual budget process?

The 2027 budget process will follow a condensed timeline due to the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election.The annual budget calendar with annual target dates is listed in the chart below:

Timeline	Step in Annual Budget Process
June	Budget Process Begins: Priorities and service levels are established for the upcoming budget year.
July & August	User Fees and Charges: Finance department conducts an audit of user fees and charges in collaboration with all departments.
September	Public Information Meeting: A Public Information Meeting is held, where residents can review the draft User Fees and Charges By-law and provide comments.
October & November	Budget Draft: Detailed draft of operating and capital budgets are completed.
December	Capital Budget and Forecast: Council and Department Heads conduct a Roads and Facility Tour to review completed projects, equipment, and facilities. Proposed Capital Budget and 10-Year forecast: Proposed capital budget and 10-Year forecast is presented to Council.
January	Operating Budget: The base operating budget (detailed and summary) is presented to Council. Updated Budget to Council: Staff update the budget based on Council and community feedback. Finance calculates the projected tax impact on median Township properties (MPAC-based). Public Information Meeting: A Public Information Meeting is held, where residents can review the draft budget and provide comments.
February	Final Budget Presented: Final budget reports are presented, including reserve balances, completed capital projects, year-to-year comparisons and public comments. Budget By-law is Passed: Budget By-law is passed, and the Township issues a media release.
May	Tax Rate By-law is passed: Township adopts the final Tax Rate By-law after receiving the County’s tax ratios and Provincial education rates.

What public engagement opportunities are available for residents to provide feedback on the budget process?

Each year, the Township encourages residents to participate in the User Fees and Charges Engagement Survey (online) and hosts an in-person User Fees and Charges Public Information Meeting. This year, the Township encouraged residents to participate in the Public Works, Parks and Facilities Level of Service survey.

COMPLETED - 2027 Public Works, Parks and Facilities Level of Service Survey (occurs annually between June and July)
UPCOMING - User Fees and Charges Public Information Meeting (September 16, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.)
UPCOMING - 2027 Budget Engagement Survey (occurs annually between December and January)
UPCOMING - 2027 Budget Public Information Meeting (January 2027)

Residents are encouraged to provide feedback throughout the budget process. All input is reviewed by Council before the final Budget By-law is passed.

What are User Fees and Charges, and why are they important?

User fees and charges are payments received from individuals or organizations who use/request a specific Township service. For example, payment received for building permits, open air burn permits, and entrance permits are all “user fees”.

User fees and charges are the first step in the annual budget process and are reviewed annually to ensure that they reflect the true cost of the service being provided. The revenue from user fees and charges are then factored into the Township’s operating budget alongside property tax revenue.

What services are funded by the Township vs. the County of Wellington?

The Township and the County provide different services. The Township only sets fees and charges for Township services, while County Council determines the fees for County services. The chart below lists the services provided by the Township and the County.

Township Services	County Services
Animal Licensing and Control	Ambulance
Building Permits	County Roads and Bridges
By-law Enforcement	County Trails and Forests
Community Centres and Recreation Facilities	Long Term Care
Fire Services	Museum and Archives
Heritage	Parking
Municipal Elections	Police Services (OPP)
Property Tax Collection and Administration	Public Libraries
Planning and Development Applications (ex: Rezoning, Minor Variance and Site Plan)	Regional Economic Development
Township Roads, Bridges, Culverts, Streetlights and Sidewalks	Severances
Township Trails and Parks	Social Services (Child Care/Early Leaning, Housing, Ontario Works)
	Taxi Licensing
	Solid Waste Services