City of Kingston departments, Utilities Kingston, and City-funded external agencies and boards began their 2017 budget presentations to city council on Monday.
“Council has asked staff to present a 2017 budget that holds the line on our targeted 2.5 per cent tax rate increase,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson. “I am looking forward to a budget that will allow for progress to be made on our vision to be a smart and livable city while maintaining service levels and investing in our future by continuing to dedicate one per cent for infrastructure.”
Council is being presented with a 2017 tax-supported operating budget of $359 million, which incorporates a 2.5 per cent tax rate increase, a capital budget of $43 million and city-owned utility-related operating budgets of $93 million.
The 2017 recommended budgets represent the final stage in the City’s annual planning process which translates council priorities into budget estimates. Council will hear presentations from city departments and agencies over three nights:
• Nov. 21, 6 p.m. – Utilities Kingston, municipal budget overview and City department presentations
• Nov. 22, 6 p.m. – City department and external agency/board presentations followed by budget deliberations
• Nov. 23, 6 p.m. – Deliberations (if required)
The presentations and deliberations will be in Council Chambers and are open to the public. The City will be tweeting live from the budget meetings using #ygkbudget.
For more on the City’s budget and financials, visit CityofKingston.ca/budget.
See Kingston’s Strategic Plan 2015-2018 at: CityofKingston.ca/apps/councilpriorities.
November 23 Update: City accepts 2017 budget
Kingston’s city council has reviewed and recommended a 2016 tax-supported operating budget of $359 million, a capital budget of $43 million and utility-related operating budgets of $93 million. The municipal operating budget incorporates a 2.5 per cent tax rate increase – one per cent of which is earmarked for capital infrastructure. The budget will go to council for final approval on Tuesday, Dec. 20.
With this budget, City staff maintained a 2.5 per cent tax rate increase as directed by council.
“This budget incorporates inflationary impacts, strategic initiatives as set by council as well as a one per cent increase for capital infrastructure investment and enables us to meet residents’ demand for continued and enhanced services”, says Desiree Kennedy, chief financial officer and City treasurer.
Over the past two nights, council heard budget presentations from City of Kingston departments, Utilities Kingston and City-funded external agencies and boards.
From emergency services to culture and heritage, from roads and sidewalks to recreation centres, your property taxes support a wide-range of services that add to your quality-of-life.
To learn more about the City’s budget, go to CityofKingston.ca/city-hall/budgets/faq.
Release source: City of Kingston | Photo: Doug Kerr (cc)
