Council approves 2009 budget

The city’s 2009 tax-supported operating and capital budget is approved at $151,997,470, a 3.74 per cent increase over 2008.

In order to keep the 2009 budget increase below 3.75 per cent, City employees reviewed proposed new services, explored the use of reserve funds, and looked for opportunities to defer the costs of longer-term projects.

“Our goal with this budget is to continue to provide high quality public services and ensure good value for people’s tax dollars,” says the City’s Treasurer, Margaret Neubauer. “It’s a matter of balancing the quality of service people expect from the City, with the cost of providing those services.”

City Council also directed employees to investigate the impact of the Province’s decision not to continue its Municipal Partnership Funding; a decision that could reduce the City’s financial resources by up to $1.45 million. Council also learned that Wellington County Health and Social Services revised its funding requirements and is asking for $400 thousand from the City.

“While Council has approved the 2009 budget, the tax rate will be set early next year after further discussion with the Province and the County. We still have some time to consider our financial alternatives,” says Neubauer.

The 2009 tax-supported budget incorporates the full cost of Guelph’s 20-minute transit service and partial year costs associated with the new east end branch of the Guelph Public Library. It also includes costs associated with parking as the City continues to provide free two-hour parking downtown.

The 2009 budget is indicative of how the City plans to use more sustainable financial resources, and reduce its reliance on unsustainable funds. The budget also includes investments for future lifecycle replacement of buildings, roads and vehicles.

This year’s budget process brings the City closer to how it will develop budgets moving forward. The new approach, in the works for 2010, would prioritize investments based on legislated requirements, capacity upgrades, repairs or improvements, environmental impacts and other strategic objectives. This priority listing will help the City manage growth pressures expected over the next two decades, while providing the services residents and businesses need and expect.

“Our new budget process gives us more time for discussion, consultation with staff, and public input. It’s overall a more collaborative process, and the result is the successful budget we have approved tonight,” says Mayor Karen Farbridge. “I want to thank our City management team for their diligence and hard work throughout this year’s budget process.”