Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw No. 2277, 2026 (background report attached)

Staff Report to Council

DATE:

Monday, March 2, 2026

DEPARTMENT:

Finance

SUBJECT:

Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

In alignment with the City’s banking agreements, a Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw is brought forward annually allowing for the borrowing of up to $20 million if needed to cover current expenses.

COMMENTARY:

The main source of revenue for local government is property taxation. Property taxes are levied at the end of May and are due on the first business day in July. Expenses, on the other hand, are incurred throughout the year. This means that municipalities may face a cash flow shortage in the first six months of the year. The Community Charter resolves this issue by giving Council the authority to borrow temporarily and repay any amounts borrowed out of tax collections when they are received.

While the proposed bylaw authorizes up to $20 million in borrowing, only the amount(s) required to cover current expenses will be borrowed. It should be noted, in previous years the City of Langford has not needed to utilize the borrowing of funding from the Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw, and at this time, it is not anticipated that the City will need to use any of this borrowing capacity in 2026. Having said this, per the terms of the City’s banking agreements, staff have prepared Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw No. 2277 for Council consideration.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

This bylaw provides the City with authority to borrow up to $20 million on a temporary basis to cover current expenses.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS:

Section 177 of the Community Charter authorizes Council to borrow funds on a temporary basis to meet current lawful expenditures, with repayment to occur from tax revenues when collected.