Responsible municipal financial management requires balancing today’s needs with Stratford’s long-term obligations. That means carefully reviewing spending, maintaining appropriate reserves, managing debt responsibly and investing in infrastructure before the cost of deferred work becomes greater.
Municipal debt can be an appropriate tool when it is used carefully for necessary, long-lasting assets. The priority should be ensuring that borrowing remains affordable, repayment is planned and future taxpayers receive lasting value from the investments being made.
My Priorities
- Carefully scrutinize the annual budget and major capital expenditures
- Keep municipal debt within responsible and affordable limits
- Maintain appropriate reserves to support future infrastructure and unexpected needs
- Use long-term financial and asset-management planning to guide municipal decisions
- Address necessary infrastructure renewal before deferral creates greater costs
- Seek efficiencies while protecting the services residents rely upon
- Work with community partners and other levels of government to ensure Stratford receives its fair share of investment
- Provide residents with clear information about major financial decisions and their long-term implications