Council Initiatives for 2021-2025 Financial Plan

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee recommend staff investigate the feasibility and financial implications for identified initiatives for inclusion in the draft 2021-2025 Financial Plan.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

To provide an opportunity for Council to identify specific initiatives it would like to consider in the draft 2021-2025 Financial Plan, and direct staff to investigate related feasibility and financial implications.

TIME CRITICAL:

Publication of the draft 2021-2025 Financial Plan is scheduled for early February 2021. By identifying specific initiatives it would like to consider in this plan, Council allows some time for staff to collect, analyze, or otherwise study related operational aspects and financial implications so that Council can have an informed discussion during budget meetings.

BACKGROUND:

Each year as a part of the financial planning process, Council members bring initiatives suggested to them by various community and constituent groups for consideration. By identifying these initiatives early in the process, Council allows staff to determine the project’s alignment with strategic and other operational plans, longer-term financial and operational implications, and potential sources of funding, including grant opportunities. Additionally, raising these items in a public forum may identify the level of community support for each project and allow further public consultation throughout the financial planning process.

DISCUSSION:

Appendix A (attached) lists initiatives suggested by a Council resolution or directly from a Council member. These items, if approved, would have an incremental impact on the financial plan in some way. The table includes notes that reference related information, if applicable.

BUDGET IMPLICATIONS:

Staff will include information in the draft 2021-2025 Financial Plan that identifies the estimated capital and/or operational costs and recommended sources of funding relating to each of the initiatives approved as a result of this discussion. Staff may also recommend opportunities for further public consultation or study.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee recommend staff investigate the feasibility and financial implications for identified initiatives for inclusion in the draft 2021-2025 Financial Plan.

SUBMITTED BY:

Dawn Christenson, Director of Finance

REVIEWED BY:

Kim Anema, Chief Administrative Officer

Attachments:

• Appendix A Council Initiatives Listing
• Appendix B Councillor Rogers’ submission