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2017 OPERATING & CAPITAL BUDGET & MUNICIPAL COMMUNITY GRANTS ADDENDUM Committee of the Whole Meeting
Tuesday, January 24, 2017. 10 a.m. Victoria Hall, Council Chambers
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INTRODUCTION
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Dear Cobourg Citizens, I am pleased to provide the 2017 Draft Operating and Capital Budget for your information and perusal. The Special Council Budget session will be held on Tuesday, January 24th in Council Chambers, Victoria Hall starting at 10:00 a.m. It is expected to take the entire day. It is Council’s goal to have the Final Budget approved at the Monday, January 30th Regular Council Meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, Victoria Hall. Within the Draft Budget, you will note the creation of a Town of Cobourg Recreation and Culture Division under the direction of Director Dean Hustwick. Aligned with the Recreation and Culture Division are Beach Washrooms/Walkways, Tourist Park (Trailer Park), Seniors Activity Centre, Centennial Pool and Forestry. Community Services has been aligned with the Recreation and Culture Division. The Town of Cobourg would also like to welcome Deputy Director Laurie Wills to the Public Works Department. Under the Municipal Act, The Town of Cobourg Council has a duty and a responsibility to ensure that the following services are maintained: Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Roads, Transit, Land Use Planning, Local Government, Library, Solid Waste, Storm Water, Wastewater and Drinking Water. These services are within the proposed levy increase of 1.6% after allowing for a 0.9% in New Assessment Growth. The Town of Cobourg employs the services of Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. to prepare a Water and Wastewater Rate Study to ensure our water/wastewater systems are funded to maintain our high standards. The facilities are self-sustaining based on these annual rates. The combined water and sewer bill for a consumer using 11 cubic meters of water per month will increase by $2.65 per month or an annual increase of $31.80. When compared with Northumberland County (six other municipalities), Kawartha Lakes, Belleville, Quinte West, Cavan Monaghan, Durham Region, Cobourg was ranked as having the lowest rates within these comparable municipalities. During the Draft Budget review, Council will be making a motion to approve the Water and Wastewater budget as well as the Environmental Budget related to Water Pollution Control Plant #1 and #2. The Town of Cobourg has a number of current factors which in combination present upward pressure on the municipal levy. These include the recent Cobourg Professional Firefighter Association Agreement, Town’s Official Plan and Zoning By-Law Appeals, Community Improvement Plan implementation, incorporating Asset Management Plans, Victoria Square-Phase 4 Implementation. Second Street Fire Hall Renovations, Utility Costs on all Town facilities while maintaining our infrastructure to an acceptable standard. Your Council is mindful of its obligation to maintain the level and quality of services while ensuring that Cobourg remains affordable to its citizens. This Council will need to work diligently to find that balance that meets the needs of the entire community. The draft budget is now available on the municipal website cobourg.ca for your information and comment. We welcome your comments and questions before the draft budget goes forward to Council for final approval on Monday, January 30th. Please feel free to refer any questions or comments to myself at jhenderson@cobourg.ca or to any other Council member of your choice. Regards, John Henderson, Deputy Mayor Town of Cobourg