Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdmin 63-85CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE 40 TEMPERANCE STREET BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO LiC3A6 TELEPHONE 623-3379 REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING HELD OCTOBER 7 1985 ADMIN. 63 - 85 SUBJECT: 1986 Current Budget and Capital Forecast Discussion Guidelines RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. That Administrator's report ADMIN. 63 - 85 be received; 2. That the attached guidelines for the preparation of the 1986 current budget and capital forecast discussion papers be endorsed. BACKGROUND AND COMMENT: In accordance with the 1986 budget schedule as outlined in Treasury report TR -45-85, staff have commenced the task of preparing the 1986 budget for Council consideration. The attached guidelines will provide direction to staff in formulating budgets for the consideration of committee. The guidelines will also serve to establish consistent principles within which estimates can be weighed and options weighed by Council. The guidelines should not be regarded as binding but rather a framework within which staff can prepare material for Council's review. In the early part of December arrangements will be made for the informal budget meetings. Notes of the meetings will be kept by the Administrator's office of revisions that are made at all such informal budget meetings. Respectfully submitted, David Johnston, M.C.I.P., Chief dministrative Officer DSJ:nof att. v Ul we) 1986 BUDGET GUIDELINES FOR DISCUSSION 1. That the initial budget preparation proceed on a similar basis to 1985 with all departments to be encouraged to stay within a net expenditure increase of 5% over the 1985 tax levy. 2. Additions of any full-time staff or conversion of part-time staff to full-time status may be considered on an individual basis, but must be clearly identified as a new position. 3. All department heads will be required to review existing programs and undertake the elimination of ineffective activities. New programs may only be introduced where the costs and benefits are clearly identified for Council's consideration. 4. Each department head is responsible for the review of any senior government funding programs to establish any possible sources of financial assistance from senior levels of government to partially offset the effect of municipal taxation levels. Particular attention will be given to Energy Conservation Programs. 5. Increase in any user fees shall reflect actual costs but in no instance should the fees exceed a ten percent increase. Revenue expectations should be conservative. Where fee increases are made, the effect of that increase on participation rates should be given due consideration. 6. With respect to grants made to outside organizations, they should generally be held to a maximum of 5% over 1985 levels. Specific grant allocations will only be considered by Council in accordance with the grants policies and where appropriate after recommendations have been received from the Newcastle Community Services Planning Board.