Minutes of a Special Committee of the Whole Budget Meeting - March 4, 2013
Minutes detailing further budget deliberations, including public safety building funding and supplemental project deferrals.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE BUDGET MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2013 VIEW ROYAL MUNICIPAL OFFICE – COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRESENT WERE:
- Mayor Hill
- Councillor Mattson
- Councillor Rast
- Councillor Rogers
- Councillor Screech
REGRETS:
PRESENT ALSO:
- K. Anema, Chief Administrative Officer
- S. Jones, Director of Corporate Administration
- J. Beauchamp, Director of Finance
- L. Chase, Director of Development Services
- J. Rosenberg, Director of Engineering
- P. Hurst, Fire Chief
- D. Beceleare, Superintendent of Engineering
- 0 members of the public
- 0 members of the press
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hill called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rast
THAT the agenda be approved as presented. CARRIED
3. REPORTS
a) Public Safety Building Timing of Funding
- Report dated February 8, 2013 from the Director of Finance
The Committee discussed the timing of funding for the Public Safety Building described in the February 8, 2013 report prepared by the Director of Finance.
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Screech
THAT the Committee recommend to Council that Option 4 that would see 1.5% tax increase regarding the timing of funding for the Public Safety Building be implemented in 2012. CARRIED Councillors Rast and Mattson voted in the negative
b) Continued 2013-2017 Financial Plan Deliberations
The Director of Finance provided a PowerPoint presentation to summarize the status of the budget process. It was noted that a development permit application has been received for Eagle Creek Village, and a building permit is anticipated in 2012, resulting in a budget adjustment of an additional $113,000 of revenue.
In light of a capital project, operating budgets were reopened by staff to investigate potential reductions.
The Director of Corporate Administration provided suggestions to reduce Administration-related accounts. It was requested that a breakdown of the “Legislative – Business Meals and Travel” account be provided.
MOVED BY: Councillor Screech SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT this meeting now recess at 4:24 p.m. CARRIED
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Screech
THAT the meeting now readjourn at 6:02 p.m. CARRIED
The Director of Finance described that the Tovey Access Part 3 and Seabird Park Part 1 one-time supplemental projects are deferred and funding for the Engineering Specifics project was changed to be from surplus in order to free up Casino revenue for capital expenditures.
Other one-time supplemental projects originally proposed to be funded from surplus were discussed, including:
| Project | Funding Details |
|---|---|
| Hart Road Lime Kiln Phase 2 | $30,000 in 2013 |
| 25th anniversary celebration | $25,000 in 2013 |
| Economic development strategy | $30,000 in 2013 and $20,000 in 2014 |
| IT Strategic Plan | $40,000 in 2013 |
| Land Surveying | $5,000 in 2013 |
| Consultant Project Support | $20,000 in 2013 |
| OCP Implementation | $60,000 in 2013 |
| Reorganize office, Paint, carpet | $48,000 in 2014 and $17,000 in 2015 |
| Engineering specifications | $55,000 in 2013 |
| Total | $257,000 in 2013, $68,000 in 2014 and $17,000 in 2015 |
| Sanitary Sewer Surplus | $8,000 |
The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that staff would review these proposals to determine impacts if they were eliminated or deferred.
Concern was expressed that there may be difficulties in the face of any emergent issues.
It was noted that there is a desire to keep a reasonable tax rate and that there will be public understanding of capital project reductions.
The Director of Finance discussed the preliminary tax implication and noted that it would be appropriate to take funds saved through operating reductions – approximately $100,000 – and apply those to reserves in order to replenish them to an adequate level. As well, it is important to also include in property taxation an amount for emergent needs – potentially in the amount of an additional 2%.
There was a request for additional information on the projected tax rate increase for 2014 and 2014 prior to budget adoption.
The Director of Finance described the need for an additional $130,000 and sought direction from the Committee. The Committee asked that staff request the Minister of Community Sport, and Cultural Development to approve the usage of sewer surplus for a general fund capital expenditure prior to making a decision on taxation and the additional $130,000 required.
MOVED BY: Councillor Screech SECONDED: Councillor Rast
THAT the Committee recommend to Council that the proposed cut of $1,000 for Committee of the Whole dinners not be accepted. CARRIED Councillors Mattson and Rogers voted in the negative
The Committee requested that staff prepare a submission to Minister Polak, Ministry of Transportation and Minister Bennett, Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development regarding sourcing of options for our shortfall due to the Craigflower Bridge Replacement Project.
The Committee then discussed the setting of a rate for the new Light Industry property class identical to that of the Business and Other property class.
MOVED BY: Councillor Screech SECONDED: Councillor Rast
THAT the Committee recommend to Council that CARRIED
c) Portage Park Restoration – Discussion
The continuation of restoration work in Portage Park was discussed and it was determined that it would be discussed at a future meeting.
4. TERMINATION
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT this meeting terminate Time: 6:56 p.m. CARRIED
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