On Nov. 4, 2015, the City of Guelph released the recommended 2016 Tax-supported Operating Budget and Forecast for both city council and community members to assess. On Nov. 10, 18 and 19, 2015, the recommended budget will be presented to City of Guelph administration for approval. Residents are encouraged to attend the presentations or watch online prior to Nov. 30, 2015, when the presentation of the budget will occur at a city council meeting.
“The 2016 budget challenged the City to find additional efficiencies in an already lean organization,” said Janice Sheehy, the City of Guelph’s treasurer, in a Nov. 5, 2015 City news release. “By critically reviewing each line item, departments were able to reduce their individual asks to support the overall 1.58 per cent increase. The recommended budget meets the community’s and City’s needs for 2016 while remaining affordable; however, with such a low tax increase we were not able to account for all increased demands placed on the organization from growth.” While not included in the recommended 1.58 per cent increase, the City will present council with a recommended list of expansions on Nov. 18, 2015—not included with the increased tax suggestion. Council will review and deliberate at the Dec. 9, 2015 budget meeting.
Including reductions to certain costs, the budget includes a 1.58 per cent base budget increase. The $213, 203, 925 recommended budget reflects the City’s plan to maintain the delivery of services.
“Similar to the expansions, Council will be presented with the list of reductions and revenue adjustments on November 19,” according to the City’s press release. “These reductions include changes to purchased goods and services, and service levels. Council will have the opportunity to review and determine any of the adjustments or reductions that will not go forward, and might be added back into the budget.”
For residents looking to connect with city council and have their voices heard, the City of Guelph’s social media services are available for more information. For residents hoping to propose amendments to existing legislation, the submission deadline is Friday, Nov. 27, 2015 at 9 a.m.—for the Public Delegation Night.