Local government borrowing and liabilities

Municipalities and regional districts have access to different types of borrowing to address specific situations. These situations may vary depending on the type of borrowing (capital versus operational), the duration of borrowing (current-year versus short-term or long-term), and source of the borrowing (external lender versus internal funds).

Revenue anticipation borrowing

Because a local government's fiscal year starts in January, and it does not collect taxes until July, each local government must have a means of financing its operations between January and July. Local governments can finance operations through existing cash surplus or through a revenue anticipation borrowing bylaw.

• Learn more about revenue anticipation borrowing

Short-Term capital borrowing

Short-term capital borrowing may be used to finance small capital undertakings (for example, vehicle and equipment acquisitions or small capital upgrades) without the approval of the electors. This borrowing must be repaid within five years from the date of issue.

• Learn more about short-term capital borrowing

Long-Term capital borrowing

Long-term borrowing finances major capital acquisitions and construction, and is secured through a loan authorization bylaw that usually requires approval of the electors. In certain cases, long-term borrowing may also be used to provide a guarantee or loan to a third party under an agreement. A loan authorization bylaw may not be used to provide a grant to a third party. Learn more about:

• Long-term capital borrowing
• Partnering agreements for service delivery

Interfund borrowing

Interfund borrowing is conducted between statutory reserve funds and may be used to finance short or long-term capital projects. Lending between reserve funds may only occur if both reserve funds are established for a capital purpose.

• Learn more about interfund borrowing

Liabilities under agreement

Liabilities under agreement include capital lease agreements and service contract agreements. Liabilities that extend over five years or have the option to renew must be approved by the electors.

• Learn more about liabilities under agreement

Municipal liability servicing limits

Municipalities may incur liabilities to fund services. However, the amount of liabilities a municipality may undertake is subject to the liability servicing limit.

• Learn more about liability servicing limits

Local government interest calculations

Local governments may establish the method of interest calculation for interest which is payable on amounts owed to or by the local government, unless the method has already been set by the provincial government.

• Learn more about methods of interest calculation