2012 Tax Supported Operating Budget

Tax Supported Budgets - Operating and Capital

At the September 12, 2011 General Issues Committee meeting, Council made the following recommendation: "That, in an effort to achieve the goal of an overall tax impact of zero percent for City Services, all City departments target a 2012 budget guideline of 0% increase, an that any increase be forwarded for consideration with appropriate explanation".  

Council held three workshops (October 27^th, November 17^th, December 16^th) to receive draft budget information, confirm budget principles and provide feedback to staff.  In keeping with the approved principles, staff developed a preliminary budget which works towards Council target while preserving programs and services.

On January 24, 2012, staff presented to the General Issues Committee the Preliminary 2012 Tax Supported Operating Budget requiring an average property tax increase of 2.0% or $68 per household.  The budget, as submitted, protects the hundreds of programs and services provided to the taxpayers and the public.  The preliminary budget estimates required gross expenditures of about $1.25 billion to deliver these services.  User fees, grants, subsidies and other revenues reduce the amount of tax levy required to support these services to about $713.3 million.

In order to achieve the goal of a zero tax impact, -$16 million would have to be eliminated from the preliminary 2012 tax budget. The preliminary budget as submitted is consistent with Council’s direction not to impact programs/services.  During deliberations, staff will engage Council in an effort to progress to the target of zero or an appropriate level of tax increase which balances the need to hold taxes while protecting services.