The Town of Cobourg is inviting residents and business owners to apply for a new community-led task force aimed at shaping the 2026 municipal budget.
Mayor Lucas Cleveland announced the initiative August 7, using strong mayor powers under the municipal act to direct the formation of the task force. The group will be led by Cobourg resident David Dexter, who has over 30 years of experience working in the public sector and will serve as consultant under an independent consultation agreement.
“I could not think of a better way to use the Strong Mayor Powers granted by the province, than to give authority back to a committee to recommend budget strategies and financial options,” Cleveland said in a release.
Dexter said he is looking forward to supporting the community-led discussions that will help inform council’s financial planning.
The community-led task force will meet through August and September, and deliver a final report to Mayor Cleveland in October. That report will help shape the draft 2026 Operating and Capital Budget, which staff are preparing for presentation by November 1. The mayor has set a levy target not to exceed 5 percent before growth.
Community feedback gathered this fall will also be included in the final draft budget, expected to be delivered to Council by December 15.
Applications to join the task force are available online at www.cobourg.ca/StrongMayorPowers and must be submitted by Wednesday, August 13.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
