October 14, 2015 - A proposed 2016-2018 Tax Supported Budget Directions Report to be presented at the Monday, Oct. 19 Committee of the Whole Meeting, outlines options for Council's consideration heading into the 2016 Budget. Administration recommends City Council approve multiyear targets for the City's tax supported 2016 to 2018 budgets which would result in a 3.2 per cent average estimated municipal tax levy for existing taxpayers, assuming net growth is $2.0 million in 2016 and $1.7 million thereafter. The recommended option provides for increased tax supported capital spending while focusing on the continued phase in of operating budget stabilization measures over the next three years.

"Consistent with a process that began in 2011, Administration seeks to establish multiyear budget targets for 2016 to 2018 in advance of the 2016 Tax Supported Budget," said Carol Pollard, General Manager Corporate Services & Long Term Care and City Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer. "The establishment of targets by City Council is strategic and greatly assists Administration in developing fiscally responsible and realistic tax-supported budgets. Municipalities across Canada are focusing on their infrastructure deficits and we want to put in place a plan to continue addressing ours over the next three years."



 



Highlights of the recommended option include:

Stabilization Measures



Tightened operating budgets have reduced flexibility to deal with increasing pressures in several areas including legal fees, winter control, and insurance claims. Following unfavourable year-end variances in both 2013 and 2014, a multi-year budget stabilization strategy was introduced in the 2015 Budget. To addresses the ongoing sustainability of the operating budget, approximately $1.8 million was included over the next three years.







Infrastructure Deficit



The proposed Budget Directions, if approved, would see an additional $5.0 in cumulative tax supported capital spending from 2016 to 2018. Based on this plan, current projections indicate that the tax supported annual infrastructure deficit for all categories (excluding machinery & equipment and land improvements) would be addressed by 2028.

City Council will review all options outlined in the Budget Directions Report. Final approval of the Budget, targeted for Feb. 29, 2016, will be subject to City Council's thorough budget review and consideration process

The Budget & You

Citizens are encouraged to get involved in the Municipal Budget process. Following are key dates for public participation in the 2016 Budget process:

  • Feb. 1, 2016 - Community Handbook & Budget will be posted online and available at branches of the Thunder Bay Public Library
  • Feb. 4, 2016 - Public Budget Consultation Meeting / Q&A
  • Feb. 9, 2016 - Public Pre-Budget Deputation Meeting

For more information on the Municipal Budget, visit thunderbay.ca/Budget

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Contact:  Carol Pollard, General Manager Corporate Services & Long Term Care and City Treasurer/Chief

Financial Officer, 625-2241