Vaughan Special Council Meeting Scheduled to Approve Draft 2013 Budget
The City of Vaughan has scheduled a Special Council Meeting on Monday, February 11 at 7 p.m. to approve the Draft 2013 Budget and 2014-2016 Plan. Following a series of six public budget meetings, the Finance and Administration Committee has completed discussions on the budget presentations, outlining the framework for current and future funding requirements.
The Draft 2013 Budget proposes $238 million for services and City operations, and $59 million for capital improvements.
“Rooted in the values of transparency, accountability and a deep respect for the taxpayer's hard earned dollar, as the City of Vaughan moves forward, transforming into a major urban centre, it is our responsibility to produce a budget that balances growth requirements against available funding and resources,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “Significant milestones such as the Program Review, the Financial Master Plan and a completed multi-year budget plan will help us deliver on services to residents, while containing costs and addressing future financial implications. Initiatives we implement today will secure the financial sustainability of our City.”
Based on the revised Draft 2013 Budget, the projected residential tax increase for the City of Vaughan services is 2.69 per cent – an increase of $32 or $2.67 per month on an average home assessed at $517,000. The increase will, in part, address areas such as insurance premiums and contracts, road programs and debt financing, as well as contributions to reserves in order to support aging infrastructure and other capital projects. Additional funding requests in this year’s budget include community safety (fire), library services, city building initiatives and operational requirements.
There is also a 0.91 per cent increase of approximately $11 annually for the average home for the Hospital Capital Levy which supports the community financial contribution required to bring a hospital to Vaughan.
“This year’s budget process continues to build on the core values and successful business practices implemented to date,” said Councillor Marilyn Iafrate, Chair of the Finance and Administration Committee. “The process includes increased efficiencies and is guided by the City’s strategic plan, Vaughan Vision 2020, which provides a future focus and long-term planning. The City is taking a strategic approach to allocating funding and resources. Public consultation was a central part of the process and the input gathered will be used to help the City bring forward a final budget that is accountable and respectful of taxpayer dollars.”
“City staff has worked hard to build a comprehensive budget document that addresses the requirements of a growing city while securing the reserves needed to support infrastructure renewal and Council’s strategic priorities," said City Manager Clayton Harris. “This year’s budget process is a clear illustration of the City’s long standing commitment to sound financial planning and a sustainable community.”
2013 DRAFT OPERATING BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
• Additional funding for Station #75 firefighters
• Plan for reducing GHG Emissions
• Soccer Field Maintenance
• Zoning By-law Review
• Additional funding for Station #75 firefighters
• Plan for reducing GHG Emissions
• Soccer Field Maintenance
• Zoning By-law Review
2013 DRAFT CAPITAL BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
• $1.9M for Black Creek Renewal
• $11.4M for Pavement Management Program (Phase 1, 2 & 3)
• $1.0M for New Community Areas - Block 27/41 Secondary Plans
• $4.7M for the construction of Fire Station #73
• $2.0M for Highway 7 VMC Streetscape
• $0.7M for Station #75 Pumper
• $4.5M for Block 11 Valley Rd Crossings
• $0.5M for Corporate Asset Management
• $0.4M for Emerald Ash Borer Tree Replacement Program
• $1.3M for North Maple Bridge Design
• $0.9M for Civic Centre Resource Library – Resource Material
• $1.5M for Storm Water Management Facility – Pine Valley Drive at Club House
• $0.8M for Kleinburg Library Building repairs and improvements
• $0.8M for Rosemount Community Centre asphalt / concrete replacement
• $1.9M for Black Creek Renewal
• $11.4M for Pavement Management Program (Phase 1, 2 & 3)
• $1.0M for New Community Areas - Block 27/41 Secondary Plans
• $4.7M for the construction of Fire Station #73
• $2.0M for Highway 7 VMC Streetscape
• $0.7M for Station #75 Pumper
• $4.5M for Block 11 Valley Rd Crossings
• $0.5M for Corporate Asset Management
• $0.4M for Emerald Ash Borer Tree Replacement Program
• $1.3M for North Maple Bridge Design
• $0.9M for Civic Centre Resource Library – Resource Material
• $1.5M for Storm Water Management Facility – Pine Valley Drive at Club House
• $0.8M for Kleinburg Library Building repairs and improvements
• $0.8M for Rosemount Community Centre asphalt / concrete replacement
The Special Council Meeting on February 11 will be held at Vaughan City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive, Council Chamber. For complete details, click here.
Attachment: Descriptions of 2013 Draft Capital Budget Highlights (pdf file)