Budget 2009 City Council approved the 2009 Operating and Capital Budgets, with a total property tax increase of 4.9 per cent and the achievement of $24 million in operational efficiency reductions. The budget preserves a number of important services valued by residents and protects the longer-term financial viability of the city. Developed within increasingly global uncertainty, the 2009 Budget is reflective of the City’s long-term fiscal responsibilities while maintaining essential services to the public. The 2009 Budget maintains the City’s commitment to its Arts Investment Strategy and Festival Funding, including an investment of $400,000 in 2009 to meet existing and emerging community needs. In addition, Budget 2009 also supports the Museum Sustainability Plan to help sustain the Museum sector capacity. In anticipation of the opening of the Shenkman Arts Centre in the spring of 2009, Council also ensured funding for the operation of the centre would be in place. Once completed, this Arts Centre will include a 500-seat theatre for the performing arts, a 100-seat studio theatre, a visual arts gallery, multi-disciplinary performing arts rehearsal spaces, and instructional studios. City Council confirmed the funding for a number of important community programs, including the outdoor rink program and child care. Budget 2009 also ensures support of the Community Gardens Action Plan, including funding for the development of an additional two new community gardens. In addition, Council approved the implementation of a tree maintenance and improvement strategy in the amount of $500,000 to counter the effects of the Emerald Ash Borer. Consistent with the City’s Fiscal Framework, Budget 2009 also includes a number of modest fee increases to shift the financial burden from property taxpayers to users of City services and facilities. The approved budget will see the City contribute 1.1 per cent, or approximately $11.8 million, to the three-year tax levy (2008-2010) to address the City’s aging infrastructure. The increase to the Police Services Budget accounts for a 0.5% increase in the City operating budget. As a result, each household will be paying $18 more next year for police services to boost their base operating budget by $7.3 million to $233 million. Budget numbers in brief• Operating budget for 2009 is $2.2 billion • Capital budget (excluding transit and police) is $306 million. • A .5 per cent tax increase is required to fund the operating requirements of Ottawa Police Services as directed by the Police Services Board. Highlights of the 2009 Budget:Council voted to implement the following changes for 2009: • Reduction in Protocol Office ($75,000), Library ($650,000) and Advisory Committee budgets ($40,000) • Reduction in advertising budgets ($350,000) and transit services ($380,000) • Deferral of several projects including expansion of 3-1-1 hours ($350,000), winter operation improvements ($640,000) and growth expenditures ($465,000) • Deferral of the organics program ($4.3 M) • Adjustment to public health services ($200,000) • Increase of 7.5 per cent in rental fees for recreation facilities during minor and adult prime time ($417,000) • Increase in transit fares effective April 1, 2009 ($91,000) • Change in the full-time student age limit not to exceed 27 years of age for eligibility of a Student Bus Pass ($110,000) • Projected overall wage settlements ($3.5 M) • Reduction of capital projects ($ 8.2 million) These changes represent $32.5M in savings and new revenues. The budget provides for a tax-supported Capital Budget authority of $306 million (excluding Transit and Police):
The total property tax increase for 2009 is 4.9 per cent and will cost the average household with an assessed value of $276,000 about $130 a year or $11 a month. The City’s operating budget for 2009 is $2.2 billion and the capital budget (excluding Transit and Police) is $306 million. |
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