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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTR-21-93 THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE REPORT Meeting: SPECIAL GENERAL PURPOSE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEg# Date: MARCH 5, 1993 Ekes. # By-Law# Report File #: TR-21-93 Subject: 1993 CURRENT BUDGET AND 1993 CAPITAL BUDGET AND FOUR YEAR FORECAST Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT report TR-21-93 be received for information; 2 . THAT the 1993 Capital Budget (Schedule #1) and the 1993 Current Budget (Schedule #2) be approved, as outlined in Report TR-21-93; 3. THAT the Executive Summary provided as Schedule #3 be received for information. 4 . THAT the Four Year Forecast be endorsed in principle. BACKGROUND 1. Proposed Overall Increase: 1.1 Budgets The proposed 1993 Current Budget and 1993 Capital Budget and four year forecast are presented for Council 's consideration. 1.2 Mill Rate Increase The 1993 mill rate for municipal purposes only, has been calculated as follows: Municipal Mill Rate 1993 1992 % Proposed Actual Increase Residential 138 . 925 137 .557 0 .99% Commercial 163 .441 161 .832 0 .99% These calculations are based on the attached capital and current budgets (Schedule #1 and Schedule #2 respectively) . 'i i TR-21-93 Page 2 1.3 External Budgets The following externally and independently prepared budgets have been incorporated in the mill rate calculation above and are identified here for Council's consideration as the detail of these particular budgets are not subject to staff input or adjustment by rather are recommended to Council by the respective boards . 1993 1992 Percentage Request Actual Increase Library - (Net of R.F) - operating $831, 108 $819, 150 1.5% - West Br. 65,033 0 - - New Courtice Br. - Capital 105,625 113,500 - 6 . 9% Museums - Clarke 58,403 58,340 0 . 1% - Transfer to Reserve Fund 7,000 7 ,000 - - Bowmanville 58,010 57,150 1 .5% - Transfer to Reserve Fund 15,000 15,000 - Handi Transit 99,700 96,000 3 . 9% Visual Arts 35,360 34,000 4 . 0% If consideration is given to reduce the proposed budgets for the Visual Arts Centre and Handi Transit to reflect a 1.5% increase over the 1992 approved budget the impact would be a savings of approximately $2,800 . The 1993 Library proposed budget includes a provision for some collection of books and staff for the Western (Courtice) Branch. The Members of the Library Board will be in attendance at one of the budget discussion meetings to discuss this budget in detail. The current budget has included transfers to the Museum Reserve Funds as identified above for the past several years . The balance in these reserve funds at December 31, 1992 is as follows: Clarke Museum Capital $69,682 Bowmanville Museum Capital $78,228 Council may wish to consider whether these transfers are required on an ongoing basis. 1.4 Budget Preparation The proposed 1993 current budget, which also reflects the cost associated with all the capital projects, has been addressed at the Staff level in such a manner as to provide an acceptable but efficient level of service giving consideration to the more difficult economic climate. This year in particular, the approach has been to concentrate on efficiencies in operations so as to provide appropriate levels of service for less overall cost. At the same time staff have had to be cognizant of the requirement to incorporate as much as TR-21-93 Page 3 possible of the capital works identified in the Development Charge Policy report within the overall 1 .5% increase guideline approved by Council. Also the proposed budget has incorporated various increases beyond the control of the municipality. Some of these increases relate to operations and issues such as the fire arbitration award, and various utilities . 2. Tax Impact Comments 2.1 Historical Review The impact of the proposed 1993 budget is considerably lower in relation to previous year increases . The historical mill rate increases (which reflect capital and current budget requirements) , and assessment growth values are as follows: Mill Rate Increase Assessment Growth (�) 1993 proposed 0 . 99 4 . 1 1992 1.40 5 .6 1991 4 . 80 6 .5 1990 7 . 87 12 .5 1989 9 . 97 8 . 0 2.2 Current Year The current years 's reduction in mill rate impact is primarily due to the assessment growth, of 4. 1% and overall attempts by all departments to maintain the 1.5% or less impact on operations . In addition the prior year's ( 1991) surplus of $1,000,000 which was identified in report TR-39-92 for application to the 1993 mill rate has been applied. , As was detailed in the year end report this surplus was created in the prior year for the most part by interest earned on investments which yielded a greater rate than was anticipated combined with higher grant in lieu of taxes from Ontario Hydro. 2.3 Levels of Service There have been adjustments to levels of services built into the proposed 1993 Budget in order to provide the taxpayer with a minimal increase while still accommodating the additional services required to be provided to new developments . Some of the service level adjustments include: number of grass cuttings in parks and along roadsides, number of times surface treatment is done on roads, and reduction in staff overtime throughout the Corporation. This may ultimately reduce the response times related to the processing of documentation. In an attempt to quantify the specifics related to costs for various service levels most departments have started to compile relevant statistical information and will be prepared to discuss these during the 1993 Budget deliberations . It is anticipated that this process will be refined over time to enable Council to make informed decisions . J TR-21-93 Page 4 3. Reserve and Reserve Funds The Public Works Department, Community Services and Fire Departments as well as the Library have again proposed fairly significant draws on the Lot Levy Reserve Funds to keep the capital impact on the tax levy at a minimal level and at the same time continuing with the necessary capital works . The proposed contributions and appropriations to these funds as well as the financial category draws on the specific reserve and reserve funds are presented together with anticipated balances in the executive summary which accompanies the Budget documents . It is anticipated that there will be ample funding to provide for the four year forecasted capital requirements and adjustments will be reflected as necessary as the year becomes current. 4. Capital Projects The capital works projects are reflected in detail in the proposed Capital Budget for 1993. The capital budgets for projects as they relate more specifically to Public Works and Community Services are supported by the Development Charges Report documentation. The Development Charge Policy Report identifies a municipal contribution in excess of the existing base of approximately $1.2 million annually over the 10 year period in order to implement the capital works projects . In fact the 4 . 1% assessment growth has contributed approximately $400,000 additional dollars towards the roads capital programs that would otherwise be added to the household tax base. This combined with the proposed transfer to the Development Charge Reserve Fund for Municipal portion, at the same value as 1992 of $450,000, will help to ensure the continued commitment to the Capital Program. 5. Operations Programs 5.1 New Initiatives The Clerk's Department plan to continue with the implementation of a municipal code manual, and computer software, which co-ordinates all municipal by-laws and related legislation. This project was identified and all necessary funds provided in the prior year ( 1992) Budget and unexpended funds to complete this project have been carried over to a reserve for use in 1993. Economic Development has been the subject of a separate report to Council, and it has been provided for in the current budget in accordance with that report. The report identifies a contribution from the Reserve Fund for Economic Development in the amount of $95,000 to cushion the overall impact. This has been incorporated into the 1993 Budget. Other new initiatives include the Volunteer Recognition Awards Program which is reflected in the Clerk's Department budget. Health and Safety legislation changes have placed an additional onus on the Municipality to ensure appropriate certification requirements are met. TR-21-93 Page 5 The Green Committee presented a report to Council in 1992 which identified some areas that could be targeted for improved environmental efficiencies . One of these initiatives, hand dryers in all municipal washrooms, has been included in the 1993 budget for Council's consideration. There are detailed sheets in the capital budget for this proposal. It is recommended in these detailed analysis, that the funding for this come from the Administrative Improvement Reserve Fund. This fund has been used over the past few years to provide for just such minor deficiencies in the Municipal Administrative Centre. The estimated balance in this fund after the proposed 1993 draw of $9200 is $ approximately $8000 (see section B - Executive Summary) . 5.2 Legal and Consultinq Legal fees and consulting have been subject to considerable focus over the past few years . Legal issues have been increasingly more complex and more frequent from all departments . The 1992 actual cost is estimated to be approximately $200,000 and has included issues such as the Victoria Park Letters of Credit, Curators contracts, Development Charges, Credit Union status for Municipal banking services, road closures, land acquisition investigations, by-law investigation and enforcement issues. With the exception of significant issues such as Laidlaw and Ontario Hydro, which will be brought to Council as separate issues for funding consideration, the 1993 Budget value of $200,000 is considered to meet the Corporation's requirements . Consulting fees overall have been reduced in Community Services and Planning as a result of substantial completion of many of the initial phases of some of the ongoing studies (ie Waterfront C.A.U.S.E. , Main Central Area Study and Recreation Masterplan) . The Public Works consulting budget is specific to the capital works projects identified in the capital budget and are eligible for subsidy funding. In reviewing these items in the Executive Summary it must be kept in mind that these charges are project specific and since each project has a separate account number, the entire roads construction budget must be reviewed for comparison to the prior year's consulting requirements . 5.3 Staffing & Negotiations The proposed 1993 Budget does not suggest any increases to the staff complement in any department but there are some minor adjustments or reclassification as identified on the organization charts within the current budget. Provision has been made in the contingency account under Unclassified Administration to accommodate adjustments, if any, to wages and/or benefits as a result of issues such as negotiations and adjustments resulting from the ongoing legislated commitment to pay equity. frj i TR-21-93 Page 6 5.4 Debt Charges The Town is now into it's fifth full year of annual debenture charges associated with the two major projects, the Arena and the Administrative Centre. The total related debt charges approximate $249,000 for principal and $495,000 for interest, to total approximately $744,000 . These charges will be completed in the year j 2003, and are approximately the same total charge each year. i 5.5 1992 Surplus I The budget process takes place prior to the year end financial statements and audit and it is therefore premature to estimate surplus/deficit position for the 1992 year end. Council will be j notified of any surplus or deficit position in a subsequent report which deals with year end transfers to Reserves and Reserve Funds . 6. Garbage Charges 6.1 Regional Portion of Flat Rate The flat rate garbage charge includes collection, which is a Municipal charge, as well as recycling and disposal tipping fees which are Regional charges . The garbage will continue to be collected on a contracted basis which will be accommodated as a "flat rate" charge through the tax bill as f in the past. The calculated value for the 1993 garbage collection fee has been kept at the same value as 1992 - $145. 00 . The application of the prior year's Regional rebate from Metro in the amount of $1.3 million (approx. ) to the disposal and recycling costs value has significantly reduced the overall Regional charges related to garbage disposal. In addition the Region has adjusted the garbage charges for disposal tipping fees for the 1993 Budget year to a "flat rate" basis . The Region will charge all area municipalities the same $70 tipping fee for both landfill and recycling tipping. This compares to the existing rates of $152 for tipping fees . They intend to reduce this charge by applying the entire rebate from Metro at the Regional level and apportioning the net cost to the area municipalities . The Region has stated that they will keep the flat rate tipping fee at $70 plus the percentage that represents the shift from landfill to recycling tonnes tipped over the next 5 years . The charges to the Area municipalities at $70 per tonne is significantly lower than what has j been charged in the recent past and therefore the cost related to Regional charges for garbage are significantly lower than in 1992 . 6.2 Municipal Portion of Flat Rate The Town maintains a Reserve for garbage related issues . The Reserve is comprised of Municipal Fund Contributions from past budgets and 0 I TR-21-93 Page 7 does not relate to Region rebates . The balance in this reserve at December 31, 1992 was approximately $1,250, 000 . The 1993 Budget includes a proposed transfer of $1,290, 000 (to be collected as part of the flat rate garbage charge) into the Garbage Reserve to maintain the 1993 flat rate charge for garbage services at the same rate as the 1992 rate. These funds are recommended for transfer to offset the Regional Rebate plus the reduction in tipping fees which has been applied to the 1993 flat rate charge. If this transfer is not made the garbage rate would be approximately $70 . The transfer is recommended in order to create a charge that is not widely fluctuating from year to year. This process is consistent with the practice over the past two years . 6.3 Garbage Reserve Balance The remaining balance in the Garbage Reserve is for future drawdown against the municipal portion of the garbage contract as directed by Council through the budget process . The balance in the Garbage Reserve after the proposed transfer would be approximately $2,540,000 . In the absence of the Regional rebate, the Reserve balance will help to stabilize the flat rate charge at a reasonable rate for approximately three to five years . In addition this Reserve can be used as authorized by Council to offset the potential costs for issues related to the site selection process for waste. 7. Referrals to Budget There were a number of items that were referred to the 1993 budget for consideration. These items have been included in appropriate departmental budgets with the exception of the attachments - Schedule A -Pitch in Ontario and Schedule B - Ontario S.P.C.A. These two items could be dealt with in conjunction with the community services grant allocation report which is included in the budget agenda. 8. Conclusion 8.1 In conclusion, the intent of the 1993 budget presentation has been to provide a comprehensive package that focuses on resource sharing and the provision of an efficient level of service through an approach that continues to be cost effective. It should be noted that there may be minor adjustments reflected in the final budget which were too late for printing in the draft document. Any changes will not adjust the mill rate impact as they have been built into the overall calculations for this report. ft�f I TR-21-93 Page 8 I� 8.2 i It is respectfully recommended that the proposed 1993 Capital and Current budgets be approved and that the four year forecast be endorsed in principle. Respectfully submitted Recommended for Presentation to Council ti ! j1 karid Marano, H.BSc, A.M.C.T. Lawrence E. Kotse(ff, M.C. I.P. Treasurer Chief Administrative Officer MAM/pp J Attachments i I i I i i I i I I I i I i I SCHEDULE A ....,-.,�...--.�........--.,-. It IT TOWN OF ec_sE_Ce ONTARlO 4:6Y 1"r 1992 November 13, 1992 Mr. Allard W.. van V 4n NANCE President • 7 Pitch-In Ontar� 36, Toronto St eet Suite 850 �. Toronto, ntario M5C 2C5 Dea Mr. van Veen: RE: REQUESTING FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR PITCH-IN WEER 1993 OUR FILE: F05-GE At a meeting held on November 9, 1992, the Council of the Town of Newcastle considered your letter dated October 26, 1992, regarding the above matter and passed the following resolution: "THAT the correspondence dated October 16, 1992y from Allard W. van Veen, President; Pitch-In Ontario, requesting financial support for Pitch-In •Week 1993, be received; THAT the correspondence be referred to the 1993 budget discussions; and THAT Allard W. van Veen be advised of Council's decision. " Once this matter has been reviewed, you will be advised of the decision. Yours tr , Patti a ie, A.M.C.T. o Cler PLB/km cc% Marie Marano, Treasurer J9 CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE n[crccnrrcn 40 TEMPERANCE STREET • BOWMAN VILLI- • ONTARIO • L I C 3A6 • (416) 623.3379 FAX 623-4 169 COUNCIL DIRECTION D-3 0 Po'I T(O H "O"hNTAR10 rM Waste management . . . in actiont V Ce4)!.�U� a October 16, 1992 OCT 2 1992 Our File: 6PO4 Mrs.Marie Hubbard TOWN OF NEWCASTLE Mayor MAYORS OFFICE Town of Newcastle 40 Temperance Street Bowmanville,ON L1C 3A6 Dear Mayor: Attached you will find the highlights of the 1992 PITCH-IN WEEK campaign. Once again, volunteerism worked in the 512 communities where projects were undertaken! We are now preparing for next year's program which will take place May 3.9, 1993. Another successful campaign is expected. PITCH-IN WEEK could not take place without financial support from Ontario's communities. In 1993 we are faced with a serious shortfall in funding. Even though we have once again secured support from the Ministry of Environment, for which we are grateful, our industry support has decreased substantially as a result of the recession. Your community's support is now critical if the PITCH-IN WEEK campaign is to continue in the future. Based on your population,we are asking you to make a contribution of$700. However,any donation is appreciated...we need it desperately if we are to continue to provide support and free materials to the volunteers in your community. Thank you for considering our request and responding to us in the near future. 1993 campaign materials will be sent to your community's schools,Scouts,Girl Guides,Chamber of Commerce and various other voluntary organizations in January, 1993. Please contact us if you have any questions. Kindest regards, PITCH-IN ONTARIO D18T -UTION CLERK ACK. By------ Allar van Veen,APR t ORIGINAL T Presi COPIES T 0: P.S. Thank you for your support! Remember;if your community can espon 'aT -1 requested then any donation is appreciated. Enclosure T TNISRECYCLED 1 l i�_F- F057 ..,ti/[_., A �J PAPER CONTAINS _..__._..._.....,.__..__.__......._. ........ J POST-CONSUMER WASTE. PITCH-IN 36 Toronto Street, Suite 850, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2C5 CANADA! PITCH-IN is a registered trademark In Canada i SCHEDULE B I THE TOWN Of eweast(e W'.Rrr- ONTARIO � February 9, 1993 OF NEK.-IiAt- Mr. cyan Denham Execu ive Director Ontari Society for the Preven ion of Cruelty to Animals 16640 Yo a Street' Newmarket, Ontario WY 4V8 Dear Mr. Denham: RE: GRANT REQUEST TOWARDS ONTARIO SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF 'CRUELTY TO ANIMALS - OUR FILE: F11.GE At a meeting held on February 8, 1993, the Council of the Town of Newcastle considered your letter dated November 10, 1992, regarding the above matter and passed the following resolution: "THAT the correspondence dated November 10, 1992 from Bryan Denham, Executive Director, Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals requesting a grant of $2,500, be received; THAT the correspondence be referred to the 1993 budget discussions; and THAT Bryan Denham be advised of Council's decision. " Once this matter has been reviewed, you will be advised of the decision. Yours truly, ea . rrie, A.M.C.T.erk PLB/km -- cc: M. Marano, Treasurer `s CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE 40 TEMPERANCE STREET • BOWMANVILLE • ONTARIO • L1C 3A6 • (416) 623.3379 FAX 623.4169 nECretr0PAKn I 4 � COUNCIL DIMMON D-1 'x� ONpFllO Sp�lEl} All for the Animals " r November 10, 1992 Ms. Pattie Barrie Clerk Town of Newcastle 40 Temperance Street Bowmanviile, Ontario L 1C 3A6 Dear Ms. Barrie: Founded In 1873, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelly to Animals (Ontario S.P.C.A) Is the largest organization of Its kind In Canada. Today, its 33 branches, 16 shelters, 4 cilnics and 20 affiliates operate throughout Ontario. The Ontario S.P.C.A. Is the only animal organization legally authorized to enforce legislation pertaining to the prevention \w:a of cruelty to animals. Over Its 120 year history, the Society has been an Integral part of communities throughout the province providing meaningful service to animals as well as people. Thousands of Injured, abandoned and abused animals have received care and shelter from the Society. The adoption program has allowed many of these animals to go to loving homes and enrich the lives of countless Individuals. Through education, Investigation and enforcement, the Ontario S.P.C.A. provides a necessary public service. If the Society did not perform these functions, they would have to be undertaken by law enforcement or government agencies. Few other agencies have the training or the resources to provide animals with protection, shelter and care. t4 , In times of Increased responsibility, the mandate and philosophy of the Society have remained uncompromised. The Ontario S.P.C.A.'s primary purpose remains the protection of animals from cruelty. Working within the law and In co-operation with government, research, Industry and public representatives, the Ontario S.P.C.A. strives to Improve r° a conditions for animals while maintaining a balanced sensitivity toward both human and animal needs. The work of the Ontario S.P.C.A. Is funded by its members and supporters and carried on by its small professional staff and dedicated volunteers. For the first time In Its history, the Society has found It necessary to make a public appeal for funds through the $2 million "Caring Campaign". In order to effectively carry out its mandate, several projects beyond � the resources of the organization require Immediate attention: 44,), • an Increase In the number of Animal Protection Service Inspectors • the procurement of veterinary equipment for the clinics 0 the provision of a humane education vehicle and related material • the establishment of a computer network linking all animal shelters. N 12 LITERATURE AVAILABLE Ird UIE CLERT ,S Dlii!?A y= Ontario Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals 16640 Yonde Street, Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 4V^.8 (416) 898-7122 • (416) 887-1684 • Fax (416) 853-8643 -1 1 / Printed­recycled pepel • 16 All, r We are pleased to Invite the Town of Newcastle to be a partner In the "Caring Campaign". Your participation will contribute In a significant way to the Ontario S.P.C.A. and the programs and services It offers to communities throughout the province. Our request is for a grant of$2,500. Should you choose, your grant may be payable over a five year period. The return on your gift is immeasurable. Your special generosity and partnership will strengthen the Ontario S.P.C.A. and allow the Society to position itself for another century of vital community service. In erely, Bryn F. enham Executive Irector BFD/rc 11',K. 13Y