MattersFinanceFirst seen Mar 30, 2023Last discussed Apr 21, 2023
2023–2027 financial plan
The proposed 2023–2027 financial plan covers City operating services and capital projects, including a $90.48-million capital program for 2023. The Committee recommended a 12.41% property-tax increase for 2023; the provided record does not show final approval.
Where it stands: Five-year plan recommended with a 12.41% tax increase for 2023 Apr 21, 2023.
Background
Earlier and later steps of the same initiative.
Feb 28, 2023
2023 budget pressures
Staff outlined major pressures and significant spending items for the 2023 budget and five-year financial plan. The report estimated that each 1% tax increase would raise about $380,000 and projected base budget increases of at least 6% annually for the following four years.
May 1, 2023
2023–2027 financial plan
The five-year plan sets the city’s budgets and funding sources for 2023 through 2027. The approved plan included an additional $355,000 for the Peatt Road development cost charge project.
May 8, 2023 – May 11, 2023
2023–2027 financial plan
The five-year financial plan sets out the City's consolidated finances for 2023–2027 and includes its revenue and property tax policies. It identifies property tax as the primary revenue source and aims to diversify revenue while supporting tax stability.
Timeline
Every time this matter appeared in council records, newest first.
Five-year plan recommended with a 12.41% tax increase
Committee recommended forwarding the 2023–2027 Five Year Financial Plan to Council with a 12.41% tax increase in 2023.
Decision: Recommended forwarding the 2023-2027 financial plan with a 12.41% tax increase in 2023 to Council.
Passed 7–0
Committee directed budget adjustments and selected an option
Committee gave direction to staff on budget adjustments and which option to include for Council consideration.
Decision: Directed staff to include Option A in the five-year plan for May 1 consideration.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Directed staff to present 2.51% reduction to the five-year plan, reflecting 9.9% tax increase.
Passed 4–3· Against: Mary Wagner, Kimberley Guiry, Keith Yacucha
Decision: Directed staff to increase ongoing sidewalk budget to $800,000 from $400,000 using General Amenity Reserve.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Allowed meeting extension at 10:01 p.m. to midnight or end of business.
Passed
Committee directed changes to proposed projects and funding
Committee directed several amendments to the proposed five‑year financial plan, including removing an artificial turf project, retaining a paving allocation, and seeking alternative funding for two items.
Decision: Directed staff to remove Latoria Elementary turf field and lights and reallocate funds.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Directed staff to keep the Claude Road parking lot paving allocation and report back.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Directed staff to seek alternative funding for PD32 and PW09 instead of property taxes.
Passed 6–1· Against: Mark Morley
Committee discussed capital projects and reserve funding
Committee received and discussed the proposed 2023 budget and five-year financial plan; no formal adoption motion is recorded in the minutes.
Several members of the public spoke regarding the proposed budget, raising concerns about a 12% tax increase, YMCA funding and firefighter staffing.
Proposed financial plan presented and public input heard
The Committee received the 2023 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan presentation and heard public input; no adoption or approval motion is recorded in the minutes.
- Wendy Hobbes (Luxton Road)Mixed · Budget and development amenities
Supports fire services and policing, while questioning whether development amenities fund sidewalks and asking about the road DCC deficit. - Mike Wignall (Solwan Road)Concerned · 2023 budget and five-year plan
Questions projected revenue declines and spending growth, urging caution on staffing, phased fire hiring, and the proposed YMCA purchase. - Sandy SeifertOpposes · Amenity and sewer fees
Urges council to lower sewer connection fees and raise development amenity charges rather than increase residents’ taxes by 12%. - Arca Brera (Goldstream Avenue)Concerned · Property tax increases
Warns that property tax hikes could worsen housing costs and affordability, and asks council to balance taxation with residents’ cost of living. - Lisa Foxall (Players Drive)Opposes · 2023 budget and five-year plan
Urges a 3–5% tax increase, no new staff hires this year, and a five-year hiring plan given inflation and residents’ financial strain.
- Wendy Hobbes (Luxton Road)Mixed · Budget and development amenities