A budget bylaw is the formal municipal legislation that legally adopts the approved budget for a fiscal year. Unlike regular bylaws that regulate behaviour, a budget bylaw authorizes the municipality to collect specific revenues and make specific expenditures. It typically sets the property tax rate needed to generate budgeted revenue. Once passed by council and taking effect, the budget bylaw provides the legal authority for all municipal financial activities during the year. Amendments to the budget during the year may require amending the budget bylaw. The bylaw format ensures budget decisions have proper legal foundation and can be enforced.