Regional and Municipal Budgets

[Spokes]

Regional and Municipal Budgets

A central point for discussion of all budgets released by the Region of Waterloo and the various municipalities.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQNuf4iYE68/TaYMe-0kn7I/AAAAAAAAHWs/J2LmL6zWfaY/s1600/budget_pie.gif

[Spokes]

Rates rise in Waterloo
December 29, 2010

The living expenses of City of Waterloo residents will be on the rise in 2011.

Both property tax and the combined water and sewer rate will go up in the coming year.

Today, the City of Waterloo released the proposed operating budget for 2011 as well as the 2012 to 2014 operating forecast including various department business plans.

The operating budget, the total operating costs of the city, is $145 million for 2011.

Property taxes will increase 1.89 per cent. That translates into a property tax increase of $7.28 for the average assessed household of $225, 000 according to the budget.

The combined water and sewer rate will increase 7.45 per cent. That means the average household will pay an additional $56.04.

Tax rates are anticipated to continue to rise between 2012 and 2014 as well. The proposed rate increase for 2012 is 2 percent, 2.5 per cent in 2013 and 3 per cent in 2014. That means for the average household an additional $18.64, $23.30, $27.96 between 2012 and 2014.

A formal presentation of the budget released today will be made during the finance and strategic planning committee meeting portion of the regularly scheduled council meeting at City Hall on Monday, Jan. 10, 2011.

[markster]

Property taxes will increase 1.89 per cent. That translates into a property tax increase of $7.28 for the average assessed household of $225, 000 according to the budget.
...
Tax rates are anticipated to continue to rise between 2012 and 2014 as well. The proposed rate increase for 2012 is 2 percent, 2.5 per cent in 2013 and 3 per cent in 2014. That means for the average household an additional $18.64, $23.30, $27.96 between 2012 and 2014.
Looks like they're basically following inflation (http://www.statcan.gc.ca/subjects-sujets/cpi-ipc/cpi-ipc-eng.htm).

[Spokes]

Looks like they're basically following inflation (http://www.statcan.gc.ca/subjects-sujets/cpi-ipc/cpi-ipc-eng.htm).

That stuck out to me too when I saw it.

[IEFBR14]

Note however that Waterloo measures inflation differently than the rest of us. See for example Mayoral candidates debate merits of using "Municipal Price Index" (http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/news/article/221361).

Also, while this year's 1.9% may seem reasonable in light of the 2.0% CPI for the 12 months to November 2010, tax increases in previous years have exceeded CPI.

I'm not against extraordinary tax increases to pay for improved services like the LRT or citywide sidewalk snow clearing (or even RIM park <ducks>), however, ISTM the city should generally be able to hold tax increases for existing services at CPI levels.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Region of Waterloo and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) – Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 791 Ratify Contract
January, 11, 2011 | Region of Waterloo | Link (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/$All/5CC6609C63DDB5E4852578150062808D?OpenDocument)

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo has approved a Memorandum of Settlement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), on behalf of members of Local 791. Local 791 represents 177 Paramedics who provide emergency medical services in Waterloo Region.

Negotiations began in March, 2010 and both parties signed the Memorandum of Settlement on November 30, 2010, renewing the collective agreement for CUPE Local 791.

Highlights of the Agreement Include:

36 month collective agreement from April 2010 to March 2013
Minor changes to extended health benefits and shift premiums
Wages:

2 per cent - April 1, 2010
2 per cent - April 1, 2011
2 per cent – April 1, 2012

The Region's negotiated contract settlement with Paramedics (CUPE 791) will achieve the mutual goals of providing fair and secure wages and working conditions for employees, while maintaining and improving the quality of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the residents of Waterloo Region.

[UrbanWaterloo]

City of Waterloo 2011 Budget
January 12, 2011 | City of Waterloo | Link (http://www.waterloo.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=78&mid=526&def=News%20Article%20View&ItemId=1459)

The City of Waterloo staff will be presenting to Council the department Business Plans related to the 2011 Proposed Operating Budget, the 2011 Proposed Capital Budget and 2012-2020 Capital Forecast. Details of this meeting are as follows:

Date: Monday, January 17 and Monday January 24, 2011
Time: At A Time To Be Determined
Location: Council Chambers, Waterloo City Centre, 100 Regina Street South, Waterloo, Ontario

Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the City’s budget and business plans for the coming years.

FOR further information regarding the above matter please contact: Karen Eskens, Director of Budgets & Financial Planning | 519-747-8778

IF you wish to make a presentation to Council regarding the City’s budget and business plans, please call 519-747-8549 prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 17, 2011 or Monday, January 24, 2011 so that the necessary arrangements can be made to place you on the agenda.

IN addition, a written summary of your presentation should be filed with the City Clerk prior to the public meeting.

[UrbanWaterloo]

City of Waterloo 2011 Budget Approval Day
February 9, 2011 | City of Waterloo | Link (http://www.waterloo.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=78&mid=526&def=News%20Article%20View&ItemId=1476)

The Council of the City of Waterloo will consider final approval of the 2011 Operating Budget, the 2011 Capital Budget and 2012-2020 Capital Forecast. Details of this meeting are as follows:

Date & Time: Monday February 14, 2011 | 1:30 PM
Location: Council Chambers, Waterloo City Centre, 100 Regina Street South, Waterloo

Residents are welcome to attend.

FOR further information regarding the budget please contact: Karen Eskens, Director of Budgets & Financial Planning (519-747-8778)

Delegations will not be heard at this time.

For information about the meeting, please contact: Rose Clemens, Clerk’s Office (519-747-8549) email (clerkinfo@waterloo.ca)

R. Mavin
Chief Financial Officer
City of Waterloo

[UrbanWaterloo]

Input into city’s 2011 budget welcomed
February 10, 2011 | City of Kitchener | Link (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?newsId=X3aRypUKmRPBLHm0IIldwAeQuAleQuAl )

The City of Kitchener welcomes public input into its 2011 draft budget. A session designed to receive public input will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers.

The draft budget outlines a property tax increase of 1.94 per cent.

The budget aims to balance the city’s commitment to provide valued services and programs to residents, while maintaining a reasonable level of property taxation.

A number of steps have also been incorporated into the budget to help the city preserve its long-term financial wellbeing, while also maintaining this balance.

For an average Kitchener household, the property tax increase will mean an additional $18 per year, or $1.50 per month. This increase does not include the impact of utility rate changes, including the new stormwater rate, which will add about $10.50 a month to the average household bill, starting in February.

Council has directed staff to look for budget reductions ranging from one to five per cent.

Budget information is available on the website. Opportunities to provide feedback are available using the following methods: citybudget@kitchener.ca | 519-741-2602

Important Dates

Tuesday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. – Public input session: Residents are invited to share their comments on the city’s 2011 budget process during a public input session.
Monday, February 28 – Finance and Corporate Services Committee: City council will review staff responses to requests for additional information and budget-reduction options
Tuesday, March 1, 9 a.m. – Final budget day: City council will consider the approval of the 2011 budget.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Council passes 2011 budget
March 2, 2011 | City of Kitchener | Link (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?newsId=R0aUkdNLZ6Gfpfvd2g1fAweQuAleQuAl )

Following two days of final budget deliberations by city council, the city has found ways to minimize the financial impacts to residents while continuing to provide valued services and programs to residents.

The overall impact for residents is as follows:

City property taxes: decreased by 2.79 per cent in 2011 ($26 reduction for the average household) made possible as a result of stormwater management costs moving out of the tax base to a user-fee system.


Stormwater rate: this new rate was reduced by 10 per cent and will cost the average household $121 in 2011.
Water: 2.9 per cent increase ($11 impact to the average household)
Sewer: rates are frozen at 2010 levels
Natural gas: forecast to be reduced by $30 effective April 1.

Taken all together, the overall impact is an additional $76 (2.54 per cent) for all municipal services, or about $6.33 a month for the average household.

This relates to City of Kitchener services only and does not reflect potential changes to regional and education property tax rates.

“We have squeezed the orange dry,” said Mayor Carl Zehr. “We did a good job. We all need to be proud of it. It was a big job working through this budget.”

On January 20, city council directed staff to identify potential budget reductions totaling up to a five per cent reduction on the proposed 2011 tax levy. Staff identified 48 potential reductions for council consideration.

During its budget discussions today, city council brought down the tax levy by 4.72 per cent, through reductions, including:


Transferring $750,000 from the tax stabilization reserve fund made possible as a result of an operating surplus realized in 2010.
Deferring implementation of Transportation Demand Management and Cycling Master Plan initiatives ($563,000).
Reduction of various capital expenditures in the amount of $546,000 annually over the next 10 years.
Increasing the “gapping” of vacant positions by 33 per cent or $500,000.
Reducing contributions to the Economic Development Investment Fund by $500,000 per year.
Increasing dividends from the natural gas ($500,000) and hydro ($200,000) utilities as a result of favourable operating results in 2010.
Freezing senior management and city council salaries, saving $168,000 ($155,000 for management, $13,000 for council).
Delaying the opening of Bridgeport Community Centre to October ($150,000) as a result of ongoing construction at that site.
A one per cent user fee increase effective July 1, 2011.
Delaying the opening of McLennan Park to June ($90,000) as a result of ongoing construction in the park.
Elimination of an additional staff person for the office of the mayor and council which was originally intended to support the increased Council size ($60,000).
Advertising and publishing reduced by $25,000.
Funding to city-run festivals, Tapestry and New Year’s Eve, reduced by $20,000.
Converting Breithaupt wading pool to a splash pad, saving $11,000.

Council also chose to allocate funds from EDIF (economic development investment fund) to fund the 2011 grants for physician recruitment ($10,000); medical specialist recruitment ($10,000), and arts sustainability funding ($220,000).

[UrbanWaterloo]

Regional Council approves 1.47 per cent tax increase
March 23, 2011 | Region of Waterloo | Link (http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/$All/511A1EE1EFEC7AA58525785D00060EBB?OpenDocument)

Regional Council approved the 2011 budget Wednesday.

The 2011 approved tax rate increase of 1.47 per cent is well below inflation and also provides a number of essential service enhancements.

The Region is a major provider of essential community services including helping families and children, ensuring the safety of our drinking water, getting people to the hospital under emergency conditions, ensuring the availability of affordable housing, public transit, crime prevention and the creation of safer neighbourhoods, planning for growth, maintaining infrastructure and supporting other vital community interests.

In this year’s 2011 budget, the Region has invested in a number of new service enhancements including Transit, Emergency Medical Service, poverty reduction, arts and culture and child care.

“I am pleased with this year’s budget. The 1.47 per cent increase will allow us to maintain service levels while offering some enhancements to important Regional services. Council has worked hard to balance the need to keep increases reasonable with the needs for Regional services,” said Tom Galloway, Regional Councillor and Chair of the Budget Committee.

“Regional staff worked diligently during this budget process to identify over $2.4 million of sustainable base budget reductions, which helped keep the tax rate increase as low as possible,” said Mike Murray, Chief Administrative Officer. “This provided an opportunity for Regional Council to fund critical service enhancements in areas such as Transit, EMS, poverty reduction, child care, and arts and culture.”

The increase of 0.72 per cent for Regional Services and 0.75 per cent for Police Services will impact the average household by $ 21.65.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Waterloo City Council Approves Budget
February 13, 2012 | City of Waterloo | Link (http://www.waterloo.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=78&mid=526&def=News%20Article%20View&ItemId=1743)

Today, Waterloo city council approved the operating budget for 2012 to 2014 as well as the 2012 to 2014 capital budget and the 2015 to 2021 capital budget forecast. The property tax rate increase for 2012 is 2.16%. With the stormwater management fee phase-in factored in, the tax rate is 1.09% which equates to an approximate $12.75 property tax increase per year for an average household valued at $295,000. The tax rate increase for 2013 is 2.26% and in 2014 it is 2.46%.

The city’s budget supports many important services and projects throughout the city including snow removal, sewer maintenance, fire protection, bylaw enforcement, road maintenance and repairs, parks, recreation, culture and leisure services and youth and older adult programming.

“This budget is a product of a lot of hard work by staff, council and the finance and strategic planning committee to provide a balanced operating and capital budget,” said Mayor Brenda Halloran. “This new budget allows us to move forward and be fiscally responsible while continuing to deliver the excellent services our residents have come to expect.”

A number of the expense-management measures were incorporated into the new budget including minimal expansion and growth initiatives for 2012 and a continued focus on finding internal efficiencies to control expenditures.

“Delivering a balanced budget, finding efficiencies and continuing to deliver services to the community is never an easy task", said Councillor Karen Scian, chair of the finance and strategic planning committee. "We have a number of challenges funding our infrastructure deficit. In 2012, this council will be reviewing options for sustainable methods of funding this deficit. We will also be looking at formulating a new preventative maintenance policy, as well as examining the current standards we set for determining when our assets need to be repaired, upgraded or replaced."

During the budget process, the community provided valuable input into the budget process through e-mails, surveys, public meetings and the Citizens' Budget Task Force. Recently, the first-ever all access budget town hall took place, where citizens were invited to an interactive live discussion about the budget through social media. Approximately 60 questions were submitted through Facebook and Twitter during the one hour meeting. Questions ranged from interest in where tax dollars are spent to requests for more information about the infrastructure deficit and the well-being of our roads and city facilities.

Highlights from the operating budget are:

Property tax rate increase:
2.16% in 2012 - this equates to 1.09% after the stormwater phase-in for year two
2.26% in 2013 - this equates to 1.22% after the stormwater phase-in for year three
2.46% in 2014 - this equates to 1.45% after the stormwater phase-in for year four
Combined water and sewer rate increase:
6.43% in 2012
5.67% in 2013
4.27% in 2014
Note: 2012 is year two of a four-year phase-in for the stormwater utility. The stormwater budget moved from a property tax base to a user rate beginning January 2011.


Highlights from the proposed capital budget are:

Total proposed capital budget for 2012 to 2014: $126 million
2015 to 2021 forecast: $229 million
In 2012, 23 capital projects will benefit from a $4.5 million investment from the federal Gas Tax Fund


More detailed information about the budgets is available on www.waterloo.ca/budget.

[zanate]

CKCO's summary graphic of the tax increase on this evening's news featured the Region of Waterloo logo. No wonder there is so much confusion about property tax in our region.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Cambridge City Council Approves Tax Increase
2.55 percent Operating plus 0.8 percent infrastructure investment
March 05, 2012 | City of Cambridge | Link (http://www.cambridge.ca/relatedDocs/2012-03-05%20City%20of%20Cambridge%20Budget.pdf)

Cambridge City Council tonight received the recommendations of the Budget Task Force that offered two approaches: a proposed tax rate increase of 3.74 percent or to consider even further options for cost cutting to bring the final tax increase down to 3.4 percent.

During the meeting, members of Council also brought forward suggestions outside the staff reports to further belt tighten. Further reductions to the Planning Services and Transportation and Public Works budgets were passed by Council.

Ultimately, Council approved a tax rate increase of 2.55 percent for Operating budget and 0.8 percent for the Capital program. The tax increase of 3.35 percent represents an additional $37.52 for an average household valued at $254,000.

For Cambridge citizens, service improvements this year include eliminating the one week shutdown imposed in 2011 for Cambridge Libraries and Galleries, increasing the funding for neighbourhood associations, and adding to the services offered at the new W.E Pautler Centre, co-located in the Langs Health Services hub. This percentage increase builds in much needed investment in infrastructure.

“Council looked to trim as much as possible from the $90 million budget without significantly impacting service levels,” says the Chair of the Budget Task Force, Gary Price. “We tried to strike a balance between tax increases and the service needs of a growing community.”

Much work had been done over the last two years through the service review process to shave expenses including cuts of 24-full time positions. This service review laid the groundwork for a 9.2 percent overall budget reduction to help the corporation continue to trim the bottom line in 2011.

The operating and capital budgets may be found online at: http://www.cambridge.ca/corporate_services/accounting_and_finance

[UrbanWaterloo]

Draft budget aims for balance
November 05, 2012 | City of Kitchener | Link (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?newsId=6AovpycrCL4B1sE3PE9TageQuAleQuAl )

Today the finance and corporate services committee heard an overview of the draft 2013 budget. Staff have been working diligently through the budget process to deliver a draft budget that allows the city to provide the current services and programs at an affordable rate of increase.

A survey of citizens in 2012 found that 62 per cent of residents surveyed favoured a property tax increase at the rate of inflation (cited as 2.0-2.5 per cent) and maintaining current service levels. This reaffirmed the results of an Environics survey of citizens in 2009, which indicated that residents value high services over low taxes by a ratio of 2:1. The survey showed that 81 per cent of residents feel the city is headed in the right direction.

Locally, we are fortunate to have a thriving economy – however, this is not the time for radical expenditures of budget. At council’s direction, staff have proposed a budget increase of 2.87 per cent and develop a list of potential reductions that could deliver an additional one per cent decrease to the city portion of residential taxes.

“It’s no small feat for staff to get down from an initial five per cent to just under three per cent,” said committee chair, Counc. Scott Davey. “It took a significant amount of work to get to this point.”

Since public opinion and citizen feedback assists council in their considerations, this year’s opportunities for earlier engagement include:
A convenient online budget calculator: allows residents to experience some of the hard the decisions council must face – and the financial implications of those decisions. Learn more about the 10 potential reductions and what effect, if implemented, they could have on the city portion of your taxes.
The online calculator tool will also allow residents to provide comments, which will be passed on to council to help them make their decision on final budget day on Jan. 17, 2013.
Inclusion in Ask an Expert social media campaign – with Ryan Hagey, the director of financial planning, on Monday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m.
A dedicated phone line – 519-741-2602 – that citizens can call to leave their input.
Budget information is available on the City of Kitchener website at www.kitchener.ca/2013budget.

112365911

[UrbanWaterloo]

Draft Operating and Capital Budget Released to Council
December 03, 2012 | City of Waterloo | Link (http://www.waterloo.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=78&mid=526&def=News%20Article%20View&ItemId=1921)

The City of Waterloo released amendments to the 2013-2014 operating budget as well as releasing the proposed 2013 to 2014 capital budget and the 2015 to 2022 capital budget forecast.

This is year two of a three-year council-approved budget for the City of Waterloo. The amendments to the operating budget are a result of council approving a reduction in the municipal price index (MPI) from 2.26% to 1.55%. The amendments to the capital budget are a result of the development charge study that was undertaken in 2012.

Information about the proposed budgets and the development charge study is available on www.waterloo.ca/budget.

Highlights from the proposed operating budget:
• Property tax rate increase:
o 0.51% in 2013 (1.55% gross increase less 1.04% stormwater phase-in for year three)
o 1.44% in 2014 (2.46% gross increase less 1.02% stormwater phase-in for year four)

• Total operating budget:
o $156.3 million in 2013
o $154.5 million in 2014

• Combined water and sewer rate increase:
o 5.67% in 2013
o 4.27% in 2014

Note: 2013 is year three of a four-year phase-in for the stormwater utility. The stormwater budget moved from a property tax base to a user rate beginning January 2011. Also, on February 27, 2012, council approved the stormwater credit program which is a program that provides incentives for property owners to provide on-site controls that reduce their individual contributions of stormwater runoff and pollutant loading to the municipal stormwater management system.

Highlights from the proposed capital budget are:
• Total capital budget for 2013 to 2014: $98 million
• 2015 to 2022 forecast: $274 million
• In 2013, 9 capital projects will benefit from a $3 million investment from the Federal Gas Tax Fund

Important budget related dates:

Development charges background study and bylaw released to the public - November 16, 2012

Budget documents released to the public - November 30, 2012

Development charges background study and bylaw – public meeting - December 3, 2012

CCRS fee, water/sewer/cemetery rate approval for 2013 - December 10, 2012

Development charges background study and bylaw passage - December 10, 2012

Operating budget for 2013 to 2014 approval - December 10, 2012

Capital budget approval for 2013 to 2014 and a forecast is set for 2015 to 2022 - December 10, 2012

[UrbanWaterloo]

Draft operating budget for 2013 proposed
December 06, 2012 | City of Kitchener | Link (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?newsId=E3sPmllR0cDC6MzzOn5lA5H5XAeQuAle QuAl)

The draft operating budget for 2013 was tabled today in the finance and corporate services committee budget deliberations.

The draft budget outlines a property tax increase of 2.87 per cent, including 1.07 per cent for the levy increase of the economic development investment fund (EDIF), which is in its final year. For an average Kitchener household, the property tax increase will mean an additional $28.38 per year, or $2.37 per month.

At the request of council, staff provided options to reduce the increase by another one per cent.

The City of Kitchener has developed an online calculator to help residents see the impact of budget reductions on their city taxes. Residents can visit www.kitchener.ca/2013budget and by entering the 2012 assessed value of a residential property, the 2012 city tax rate or just using the average home value, they can see an approximation of their proposed 2013 city tax rate. They can also learn more about the proposed reductions and see how much each would translate to on their tax bill.

The proposed budget continues to balance the city’s commitment to providing valued services and programs to residents, while also maintaining a reasonable level of property taxation and preserving its long-term financial well-being.

In a phone survey conducted this year, 62 per cent of respondents said they would want the city to increase property taxes at the rate of inflation, and to maintain current services. This is in line with an Environics survey conducted in 2009, in which a majority of citizens indicated they value high services over low taxes by a ratio of more than 2:1. In response, the draft budget is fiscally responsible, while ensuring important programs and service levels are sustained.

In an effort to minimize the projected property tax increase, the following measures were adopted in the proposed 2013 budget:
deferring items to 2014 where possible.
eliminating capacity for service improvements or for additional staff.
seeking efficiencies within base budgets across all city divisions.A key consideration in this budget is the fact that the city has been experiencing operating deficits in recent years. In response to this, staff partially corrected areas of chronic or projected deficit by adjusting expenditure budgets in some areas, while also ensuring a budget that complies with council’s tax rate increase guideline. This recommendation will now be considered by council on final budget day, Jan. 7.

There is still opportunity for the public to provide input on the budget on Jan. 7. The figures referenced above may change when city council considers final budget approval on Jan. 17.

To learn more about the budget process, read background reports and information and check out the new calculator visit www.kitchener.ca/2013budget

[UrbanWaterloo]

Cambridge Focuses on Maintaining Service Levels and Addressing the Infrastructure Gap in the 2013 Budget
January 9, 2013 | City of Cambridge | Link (http://www.cambridge.ca/relatedDocs/2013-01-09%20Cambridge%20Budget%20talks%20begin.pdf)

The City of Cambridge will be kicking off the public budget process in the coming weeks, and the message is to continue tightening the belt strings while keeping the levels of service the same as 2012. It’s a tough road to take as tax assessment is down while the community continues to grow and require additional resources to meet the demand. As well, new legislative requirements have resulted in an additional workload for staff.

“Our goal is to keep the tax increase as low as we can while balancing service delivery, growth needs and the infrastructure funding gap,” says Budget Task Force Chair, Councillor Gary Price.

Cambridge City Council gave staff direction to shave the overall Operating and Capital budget and arrive at a target of 2.1 percent tax increase (the estimated rate of inflation for the summer of 2012) for 2013. The draft budget currently proposes a tax rate increase of 1.78 percent which equates to an extra $20.76 on the tax bill for the average household with a market value of $269,000.

Recognizing that assessment growth predictions for 2013 are .88 percent as compared to actual assessment growth last year of 1.38 percent, the difference equates to some $300,000 less this year in new assessment income. Consider that for every $695,900 spent, it equals one percent on the tax bill.

While staff levels are virtually the same today as they were nearly 23 years ago, the Operating Budget does call for 11 new positions, nine of which help satisfy legislative requirements for water and wastewater services. The funding for these roles is achieved through the user rates and not through the tax levee. The other positions support community centres, parks and corporate services in attempt to address growth pressures. Expanding the bike patrol programs for the Business Improvement Areas (BIA) and enhancing internet services for the Library is also part of this mix.

“The city has always had a reputation for having a lean workforce, and while the Transportation and Public Works asset management and water/wastewater maintenance positions have received preapproval to meet legislative requirements, it should be noted that this area is working at staff levels that compare to 1985 numbers,” says Jim King, Chief Administrative Officer.

The Operating Budget of some $98 Million accounts for about 58 percent or $57.3 Million for salaries, wages and benefits. There will be no salary increases for management or inside workers (technicians, professional planners, engineers and clerical staff) across the board this year. There is a one percent mandated increase in benefits through the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS).

Other major expenditures in the Operating Budget include $6.3 Million for library operations and a $10.4 Million contribution to the Capital Budget to address infrastructure.

From a Capital Budget perspective, the proposed 10 year plan includes funding for such projects as the Riverside Dam, Roundabouts on Franklin Road, expanded Library services in the Old Post Office, and it moves back funding for the South East Galt Recreation Centre three years to allow development of the neighbourhood to generate the funds to address this future need. It also proposes a Capital Levee adjustment of approximately 654,000 to help address the infrastructure gap.

“The funding gap for our infrastructure is growing. In 2010 it was $150 Million of unfunded capital needs and last year it rose to $161 Million,” says Budget Chair Price. “We are preparing for the opportunity be in a position to partner with other levels of government and need the funding in place to address infrastructure and close the gap.” Chair Price notes that this investment is about addressing today’s needs without putting it on the backs of our young people in the future.

The city has set aside the following dates for budget deliberations in Council Chambers:
Tuesday January 15th at 7:00pm – delegation night
Friday January 18th between 9:00 – 4:30am
Thursday January 24th between 9:00 – 4:30pm, and
Thursday January 31st from 9:00 – 4:30pm The draft budget may be found online at: http://www.cambridge.ca/corporate_services/accounting_and_finance

[UrbanWaterloo]

Regional Council approves 2.74 per cent tax increase
January 16, 2013 | Region of Waterloo | Link (http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?corpId=58cynQlfgqiAYQyTLmpurQeQuAleQuAl&newsId=579eO5ZYuWuiYEk5lA5H1MoS1QeQuAleQuAl)

Regional Council approved the 2013 budget today.

The 2013 tax increase of 2.74 per cent strikes a balance between meeting increased demands for some services and finding savings in others.

The Region is a major provider of essential community services including helping families, children and seniors, ensuring the safety of our drinking water, getting people to the hospital in emergencies, ensuring the availability of affordable housing, providing public transit, garbage and recycling collection, building and maintaining regional roads, planning for growth and supporting other vital community interests.

“This has been a very a challenging budget,” said Tom Galloway, Regional Councillor and Chair of the Budget Committee. “Regional Council had to make some difficult choices to reduce spending in some areas in order to increase funds to meet critical needs in the community,” said Tom Galloway, Regional Councillor and Chair of the Budget Committee.

Despite lingering effects from the recession and reduced provincial and federal financial support, this year’s budget will help meet the increasing demand for social services, improve ambulance response times, fund priority infrastructure projects and continue to expand transit service.

Programs that have been altered to accommodate community needs include: reduced funding for road repairs and maintenance; second or additional blue boxes will no longer be free; elimination of the shingle diversion program at the landfill site; and reduced ixpress bus frequency from every 10 minutes to 15 minutes during the summer.

“Regional staff worked hard to find efficiencies to reduce the tax rate increase,” said Mike Murray, Chief Administrative Officer. “We identified over $3 million in sustainable budget reductions in many areas including: more efficient scheduling of GRT drivers; reduced paper and printing costs; utility savings through energy efficiency; more efficient maintenance of facilities and vehicles; and improved recycling collection methods.

The increase of 1.01 per cent for Regional Services and 1.73 per cent for Police Services will impact the average household by $46. Regional services comprise about 50 per cent of the residential property tax bill.

120744341

[UrbanWaterloo]

Kitchener council approves 2013 budget
January 17, 2013 | City of Kitchener | Link (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/News/index.aspx?feedId=d4f21f12-42d3-4326-a9da-160f92157d6a&newsId=cd2ffc85-782e-4cf6-b02d-e81cb595e862)

After nearly 11 hours of deliberations, Kitchener city council passed what Mayor Carl Zehr called “an extremely good budget”. Council approved a 2013 city tax rate increase of 1.39 per cent. On the average residential assessment of $247,000, this represents an increase of $13.73 per year to the city portion of the property tax bill. It does not reflect regional and education property tax rate increases.

Through their deliberations, council was committed to striking a balance between providing affordable services that residents want and need and ensuring a sustainable level of funding that protects the city’s investments and long-term financial well-being.

The largest budget reduction for council’s consideration was to reduce four fire fighters through attrition for a potential savings of $480,000. After a long, passionate discussion, all councillors agreed fire reduction is not a preferred option. However, in voting in favour of this, council also wanted to send the message to the province and the Ontario Provincial Fire Fighter’s Association that the arbitration process for emergency services is not sustainable.

Coun. Scott Davey, chair of the finance and corporate services committee, expanded: “Like everyone here, I too am upset that we are in this position. However, if compensation was in line, this issue would not be before us. The preferred solution is simply not in our control.”

Budget highlights

Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) allocations:

$320,000 to deal with Emerald Ash Borer (in addition to the $4.3 million previously included in the capital budget);

$1.4 million for trails, with staff to report on funding mechanisms for an additional $600,000;

$600,000 for the city’s four large parks McLennan, Kiwanis, Victoria Park and Huron Natural Area;

$500,000 to debt reduction.

A $15,000 increase to leisure access card funding, the city’s recreational fee assistance program.

A $6,000 reduction to council’s technology and home office expense budget.

Grants approved for community groups to fund arts, culture, environmental and recreational initiatives, events and programming.

The stormwater rate increased by 1.5 per cent and will cost the average household $2 this year.

Water rates increased by 4.75 per cent - a $19 impact to the average household.

Sewer rates increased by 4.75 per cent - an increase of $21 per household.

“I would like to thank staff for doing the heavy lifting. We knew it would not be easy and not every decision would make people happy,” said Mayor Zehr. “There was a lot of hard work and sacrifice to get us here.”

[panamaniac]

I suspect that the decision not to replace four firefighters through attrition will save less than the Record article suggests, but at least it represents a small step toward reining in the firefighting budget. I hope the Region is paying attention re the police budget, which seems even more out of control.

[BigCityBoy]

I agree. i don't even commit crimes (my mam has ha a good influence) but i alot of guys that i know do and they think its ajoke. So i start thiniking, whats the real joke?? A guy who has to go dark side for his life or a guy who has everyhtng, fails to capitalise, and then loses it? Guess where money is?

---------- Post Merged at 12:19 AM ----------

4 firefighers? Who the fuck cares. Every fireman knows that its a good gig. Pension, PTSD paymeWere in the trwnches and we got nothing. Same deal, no benefits.

---------- Post Merged at 12:33 AM ----------

Everyman wants to be fireman or some police. It's a good job with good benefits. Hell, walk to the Prison Service. They work their hours, get their hours, work the years. and waddya you know, Pension. Is;t that why everyone does it in th first place? Think about for man locked up, or your man under you "system cotnrols. Not so good. He has to try to survive. How's he going to do that? No pension, no previous history other than a convicted criminal. And at that same time, all these (what i call subservients) are cashing in!!Amazing.

[BigCityBoy]

Dont get me wrong - fires need to be put out. No doubt. Ive only known two firefighters in my life and they both seemed dumb. no idea how the world really works - just two nice, dumb guys. I guess there someting to be said for that although i can't fnd it.

[mpd618]

I agree. i don't even commit crimes (my mam has ha a good influence) but i alot of guys that i know do and they think its ajoke. So i start thiniking, whats the real joke?? A guy who has to go dark side for his life or a guy who has everyhtng, fails to capitalise, and then loses it? Guess where money is?

You may find that your comments go over better here if they are written (or at least posted) in a more sober state of mind.

[DHLawrence]

Or at least spelled correctly.

Firefighters are hardly dumb; not only do they have to be trained in all the ways to put out various fires (which chemicals for which chemical fires, etc.) they need to be trained as paramedics. That's why they respond to 911 calls first.

[waterloowarrior]

^ they respond to 911 calls first because they have many more resources than the paramedics. Modern building/fire codes and great fire prevention work from firefighters has lead to a huge reduction in fires and a huge percentage of their calls are medical. Cities are now considering merging fire and EMS or shifting resources from fire to EMS. Here's an article about the situation in Toronto http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/07/16/were-in-a-war-with-the-fire-department/

[panamaniac]

I suspect the next decade will see quite a bit of creativity in the effort to control the costs of public services, including policing, EMS and firefighting. CBC ran an interesting piece last week on Winnipeg's "cadet" street patrol program, which is an effort to reduce costs and free up police resources for higher priority work.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Cambridge Budget Task Force Approves Budget Final Council Approval Scheduled for March 4th
January 22, 2013 | City of Cambridge | Link (http://www.cambridge.ca/relatedDocs/2012-01-22%20Cambridge%20Budget%20update.pdf)

The Cambridge 2013 budget which presented a tax increase of 1.78 percent received approval by the Budget Task Force on Friday, January 18th as part of the public deliberations. The upcoming dates for the task force meetings (January 24 and 31st) have been cancelled, and Cambridge City Council will address the budget on March 4th for final approval.

“Staff presented a very responsible and balanced budget,” said Councillor Gary Price, Chair of the Budget Task Force. He noted the requests which were presented by delegations on January 15 th will be considered by Council at the March 4th meeting.

The 1.78 percent tax increase equates to an extra $20.76 per year for the average household with a market value of $269,000. The budget factored in the significant decrease in revenues through assessment growth anticipated this year - some .88 percent, down from 1.38 percent last year.

“Our goal was to keep the tax increase down, deliver a balanced approach, and maintain the service levels to our community,” said Price. “Infrastructure investment is still a big priority for our city and this budget covered important and timely projects.” There was also approval to invest in heritage with a $1 million commitment to the capital program over 10 years. The plan also included funding to cover any option that might result from the Riverside Dam consolations, as well as it moved up the design component for the new library expansion.

While reviewing the $98 million Operating Budget, Jim King, Chief Administrative Officer, said there would be no salary increase for management or inside workers (technicians, professional planners, engineers and clerical staff) across the board this year. He noted that about 58 percent of this budget accounted for salaries, as well as it contained a $10.4 million Operating Budget contribution to the capital infrastructure program.

The 2013 budget may be found online at: http://www.cambridge.ca/corporate_services/accounting_and_finance

[UrbanWaterloo]

Moody's maintains Region's Aaa (Triple A) credit rating
January 30, 2013 | Region of Waterloo | Link (http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?corpId=58cynQlfgqiAYQyTLmpurQeQuAleQuAl&newsId=5lA5HJXOY4rvQplYc7fQ7gIgeQeQuAleQuAl)

Moody’s Investors Service has rated the Region of Waterloo with the highest credit rating possible for the 13th year in a row. The Region’s Aaa rating reflects sound and stable financial management, a low debt burden and a strong liquidity position.

The Region of Waterloo’s debt burden is low when compared to [its] Canadian peers. These low debt and debt servicing ratios illustrate the Region’s successful fiscal track record and high degree of flexibility – two key characteristics supporting the Aaa rating.

“Maintaining this rating is a reflection of the Region’s consistently sound financial management and forward-looking budgets, especially in light of current economic challenges,” said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. “The Region continues to be financially balanced, and is well positioned for the future.”

Moody’s places the Region of Waterloo amongst other highly rated municipalities in Ontario. “The Regional Municipality of Waterloo’s Aaa credit rating and stable outlook reflect sound financial management, consistent operating outcomes, a low debt burden and a strong liquidity position.” It also states “the outlook is stable given the discipline displayed by the regional administration in keeping spending and debt under control.”

“In addition to recognizing our sound financial management, this rating also means the Region can borrow money for capital projects for itself and the Area Municipalities at a better rate and pay less interest,” said Craig Dyer, Chief Financial Officer for the Region.

Moody’s Investors Service has been providing Canada’s investors and issuers with the highest quality rating service since 1901. Today, Moody’s rates more than 300 Canadian corporate, structured, and public finance issuers.

[UrbanWaterloo]

City’s accounting division wins prestigious national award
March 06, 2013 | City of Kitchener | Link (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/News/index.aspx?feedId=d4f21f12-42d3-4326-a9da-160f92157d6a&newsId=87ee16a4-e579-4853-b1eb-40dd37415e9f)

The City of Kitchener’s accounting division won a national award for its annual financial report, it was announced this week. The Canadian Award for Financial Reporting (CAnFR) program offered by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), encourages municipal governments to publish high-quality financial reports, provides peer recognition and technical guidance for the officials who are writing the reports.

The accounting division was awarded the financial reporting achievement award, which was presented by Mayor Carl Zehr at Monday’s audit committee meeting.

“This is quite an achievement for the city’s accounting division. The City of Kitchener is only one of 50 municipalities to receive the award across Canada in 2011,” said Mayor Carl Zehr, an accountant himself. “This award recognizes the efforts of municipalities that go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles.”

The award is the culmination of months of effort for the accounting division. Reports submitted to the CAnFR program are reviewed by selected members of the GFOA professional staff and a review committee of individuals with expertise in Canadian public-sector financial reporting and includes financial statement preparers, independent auditors, academics, and other finance professionals.

The annual financial report was judged to demonstrate a spirit of full disclosure that clearly communicated the city’s financial story.

The GFOA is a non-profit professional association serving more than 17,500 government finance professionals in the United States and Canada. It encourages local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles, as set by the Public Sector Accounting Board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, to prepare comprehensive annual financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal.