Your 2024 Budget Talks

Share Your 2024 Budget Talks on Facebook Share Your 2024 Budget Talks on Twitter Share Your 2024 Budget Talks on Linkedin Email Your 2024 Budget Talks link

Consultation has concluded

While deliberating the budget, Council will focus on Economic Growth, Environmental Stewardship, Health and Safety, and Livability, the four key focuses of the City’s Strategic Plan.

New budget process

As a result of the newly legislated Strong Mayor Powers, Section 284.16 of the Municipal Act, 2001, outlines a statutory process for the approval of municipal budgets beginning with the presentation of the mayor’s proposed budget, amendment of the proposed budget by City Council, veto of amendments by the mayor, and override of vetoes by City Council.

What does that mean for this year’s budget process? For starters, the Budget

While deliberating the budget, Council will focus on Economic Growth, Environmental Stewardship, Health and Safety, and Livability, the four key focuses of the City’s Strategic Plan.

New budget process

As a result of the newly legislated Strong Mayor Powers, Section 284.16 of the Municipal Act, 2001, outlines a statutory process for the approval of municipal budgets beginning with the presentation of the mayor’s proposed budget, amendment of the proposed budget by City Council, veto of amendments by the mayor, and override of vetoes by City Council.

What does that mean for this year’s budget process? For starters, the Budget Review Committee (BRC) process employed in the past is no longer applicable. As a result of the mayor being legislatively required to bring the budget forward, the BRC is dissolved, as outlined in Mayoral Decision #2.

What is a municipal budget?

The City of Welland produces a responsible and business-ready municipal budget every year. It is one of the City’s most important documents because it guides staff on allocating your tax dollars. This year, in alignment with the newly adopted Strategic Plan, the mayor’s prepared budget focuses on Economic Growth, Environmental Stewardship, Health and Safety, and Livability.

The overall budget is comprised of an Operating Budget, a Capital Budget, and a Water/Wastewater Budget.

Operating Budget: City programs and services are funded through the Operating Budget, which is designed to ensure the consistent delivery of a broad range of essential services. City of Welland tax dollars support service delivery of Fire and Emergency Services, Public Works, Parks and Forestry, Recreation and Culture, and more.

Capital Budget: In order to progress and grow, the City of Welland needs to provide existing services while still planning for population growth, urban revitalization, and economic influxes.

Essentially, the City's Capital Budget must plan for the year ahead by preparing for long-term investments. City infrastructure projects are funded through the Capital Budget. A large part of that funding is directed toward maintaining and rehabilitating existing infrastructure. The City's Capital Budget also prepares spending parameters for new projects. The Capital Budget pays for new facilities, playgrounds, and infrastructure to support our growing city.

Water/Wastewater Budget determines water rates for home and business owners within Welland’s boundaries. It also determines which water/wastewater projects will be initiated or completed within the budget year. The Water/Wastewater Budget ensures that residents and shareholders continue to receive safe drinking water.

So, what does the budget process look like this year?

Under the Strong Mayor Powers legislation, the head of council is required to propose the budget for the municipality each year by February 1. The head of council must share the proposed budget with each member of council and the municipal clerk and make it available to the public. If the head of council does not propose the budget by February 1, council must prepare and adopt the budget. After receiving the proposed budget from the head of council, council can amend the proposed budget by passing a resolution within a 30-day review period

How will the budget be deliberated if there is no BRC?

Similar to past budgets, Council will review and provide input on the budget.

  • A prepared budget will be reviewed by City Council.
  • Members of Council may continue to use motion memorandums to propose and vote on adjustments to the budget.
  • Council will have the opportunity to review and amend the mayor’s prepared budget once presented.

A proposed tax rate will be subject to any amendments brought forward by Council. Council will have the chance to present and suggest any cuts and/or additions to the budget at this meeting.

Consultation has concluded
  • Budget passes

    Share Budget passes on Facebook Share Budget passes on Twitter Share Budget passes on Linkedin Email Budget passes link

    The City of Welland's 2024 budget is set after Councillors provided and voted on their final amendments to the Mayor's proposed budget, settling on a municipal tax levy increase of 3.15 per cent after assessment growth of 3.08 per cent.

    This rate amounts to an approximate $56 annual increase for an average home assessed at $230,000. Residents will also see an approximate increase of $34 on their water and wastewater bills for the low residential user.

    In Niagara, property taxes are split among the municipality, regional government, and school board. Welland's share is 3.15 per cent. The total property tax increase for 2024 will be calculated by combining Welland's portion to the increases with the Region and School Boards once those rates are finalized.

    The 2024 operating budget totals just over $113 million. The budgets are comprised of the tax-supported operating budget of $75.7 million, the rate-supported operating budget for water and wastewater of $37.3 million, and the combined capital budget of $36 million.

    "Council worked diligently with staff to create a budget that supports city services, programs and sustainability while at the same time addressing affordability," said Mayor Frank Campion. "It symbolizes an investment in the collective well-being of our city in the near- and long-term."

    This budget marks a significant milestone as it is the inaugural one under the Strong Mayor Powers. Mayor Campion proposed the budget for 2024, which was prepared in coordination with finance staff. A testament to the collaborative nature of governance, Council introduced 52 changes through amendment motions – during special council meetings on Nov. 27 and Dec. 5 – with 14 (12 tax supported and two water/wastewater) being adopted, committing to address the community's needs effectively.

    After the first round of conditional amendments, the tax levy was at 3.43 per cent. After the final round of the amendments, in which the budget was adopted, 12 amendments were approved to reduce the tax levy to 3.15 per cent.

    Budget highlights:

    • Capital spend for roadways; approx. $7.5M
    • Capital spend for facilities; approx. $3.9M
    • Capital spend for parks/open spaces; approx. $4M
    • Capital spend for water; approx. $5.1M
    • Capital spend for wastewater; approx. $6.5M

    On Dec. 6, Mayor Campion put forward a mayoral decision to shorten the 10-day period for the Mayor to veto amendment resolutions passed by City Council to the Mayor's proposed budget, effectively concluding the budget process and adopting the budget as amended from the Dec. 5 meeting.

    The budget underscores the City's dedication to the community through its strategic priorities of economic growth, environmental stewardship, health and well-being, and livability.

    Visit the Current Budget webpage for more on the budget.


  • November 27 Amendment Meeting

    Share November 27 Amendment Meeting on Facebook Share November 27 Amendment Meeting on Twitter Share November 27 Amendment Meeting on Linkedin Email November 27 Amendment Meeting link

    First of two Council Amendment budget meetings moves budget forward


    On November 27, Welland City Council actively engaged in discussions and decision-making regarding the 2024 budget in the first of two council amendment budget meetings.


    During that meeting, Councillors exercised their autonomy in amending and determining the budget's trajectory. This marked the initial session of two scheduled Council amendment meetings where all councillors could propose amendments and changes to the proposed budget aligning with their priorities and those of their constituents.


    The proposed amendments varied from immediate budget adjustments, like adding funding for staffing to considerations for future financial plans, such as reconsidering capital projects or removing proposed studies.


    Each councillor amendment with a specified cost impact, whether eventually integrated into the final budget or not, was presented and discussed. It became the collective responsibility of the Council to advocate for and garner support for these amendments.


    As amendments were adopted, staff updated the overall levies for a real-time assessment of levy increases or decreases. With a second amendment meeting scheduled for December 5, the amendments adopted on November 27 were set aside for a final vote at that time. The final decisions on all councillor amendments will be completed at the meeting on December 5.

    For residents interested in staying informed or contributing to the budget discussions, they can visit www.engagewelland.ca/your-2024-budget-talks or reach out to Council members.

    The mayor’s proposed 2024 budget had a proposed tax levy impact of 2.69%. Presently, the following amendments by Councillors have been approved to proceed to the December 5 meeting as strictly conditional amendments, adjusting this tax levy impact to 3.43%:



    Councillor

    Amendment

    Tax levy impact (%)



    2.69% (starting rate)

    Setaram

    To add upwards of $2,000.00 to increase the wattage of the existing outdoor facility lighting of the Museum (city-owned building) in order to improve community / pedestrian safety in front of the building.


    0.004

    Fokkens

    That the Council of the City of Welland approves “A Tree Give Away Project” for Spring 2024 in conjunction with the Green Advisory Committee and the Parks Division, for planting on private property. To promote residential awareness to improve air quality, fight climate change and increase property values. Estimated cost (per D Steven) $4,000. To be funded through the Operating Reserve Fund.


    0

    Fokkens

    That the Council of the City of Welland, approves to REMOVE FROM THE CAPITAL BUDGET PROJECT SUBMISSION. 10-438-24463 - ROSIE SMITH POOL HEATER a decrease in the Transfer from Capital of $225,000.


    -0.485

    Fokkens

    That the Council of the City of Welland, approves to remove from Capital Budget Project Submission. 10-430-24452 Not an immediate required expenditure. This is for Public Works and there are no new hires for this department. Savings 75K from Operating.


    -0.162

    Fokkens

    That the Council of the City of Welland, approves to reduce the Capital Budget Project Submission 10-410-24423 - Dog Park Improvements - Pg 160 to remove increasing the size of the park.


    -0.054

    Moote

    Amend the budget to include: 1a- Supervisor of Plans Examination/Deputy Chief Building Official


    0

    Moote

    Amend the budget to include: 1b - Senior Building Inspector


    0

    McLeod

    Move to amend - Probationary Firefighters (7)


    1.445

    McLeod

    Move to amend - Safety Equipment for (7) Probationary Firefighters (Funded by Capital Surplus)


    0

    TOTAL Tax Levy Impact to date (Nov 27, 2023) 3.43%



    Items approved but with no impact on the tax levy are funded through other sources such as reserves or fees collected.


    Water and wastewater rate supported operating and capital budget amendments were discussed, but no changes have been made to date.


    For the full list of amendments considered, please review the Council Agenda.


    Please note that those amendments conditionally approved have not been finalized; this will take place on December 5.



  • Watch now!

    Share Watch now! on Facebook Share Watch now! on Twitter Share Watch now! on Linkedin Email Watch now! link

    Catch up on all the budget meetings to date.

    November 6, 2023 (click the image to watch the video)
    November 13, 2023 (click the image to watch the video)
    November 15, 2023 (click the image to watch the video)
    November 27, 2023
    December 5, 2023
  • Register as a Delegation

    Share Register as a Delegation on Facebook Share Register as a Delegation on Twitter Share Register as a Delegation on Linkedin Email Register as a Delegation link

    Members of the public can provide their feedback related to the 2024 Budget by visiting, asking questions, and leaving comments on this page. They can also contact the Mayor and Council directly.

    Register as a delegation: Residents wishing to appear as a delegation to speak to the 2024 budget on November 15 can register through the Clerk’s office by emailing clerk@welland.ca. The deadline for registration is 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14. Delegations are limited to 10 minutes.

    • Audio/visual presentations
      If you are making a presentation to Council with audio/visual needs, please forward the information to the office of the city clerk as soon as possible upon registration.
    • Oral/written presentations
      A photocopy of speaking notes, if any, is requested as soon as possible upon registration.
  • New budget timelines

    Share New budget timelines on Facebook Share New budget timelines on Twitter Share New budget timelines on Linkedin Email New budget timelines link

    On Monday, November 6, Welland City Council held its kick-off meeting for the 2024 budget. Staff provided an overview of the new legislation in effect due to the City of Welland receiving Strong Mayor Powers. As of November 6, the 30-day window to complete the budget process began.


    You can view the reports in the agenda and watch the meeting video here.


    After hearing Council feedback on timelines and opportunities for further discussion, a new budget timetable has been prepared to enhance the process and improve opportunities for Council to ask questions.


    Budget Package
    SCM #1
    SCM #2 SCM #3 SCM #4 SCM #5
    Nov. 3
    Nov. 6
    Nov. 13 Nov. 15 Nov. 27 Dec. 5
    Distributed
    Kick off meeting Legacy and board presentations Public delegations New
    Council amendment meeting
    New
    Council amendment meeting


    Review of reports not completed on Nov. 6: 3.5 and 3.6
    Council questions about finance reports 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and budget material




    Key points to remember:


    Promoting engagement: Residents are encouraged to actively participate and engage in the City's budget. Information on the budget can be found on the City’s website and Engage Welland page.

    Register as a delegation: Residents wishing to appear as a delegation to speak to the 2024 budget on November 15 can register through the Clerk’s office by emailing clerk@welland.ca. The deadline for registration is 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14. Delegations are limited to 10 minutes.

    • Audio/visual presentations
      If you are making a presentation to Council with audio/visual needs, please forward the information to the office of the city clerk as soon as possible upon registration.
    • Oral/written presentations
      A photocopy of speaking notes, if any, is requested as soon as possible upon registration.

    Adhering to the 30-day window: The budget process must now follow the 30-day timeframe as mandated by the Act.

    Rescheduled reports: The two reports that couldn't be discussed on November 6 due to a lack of quorum will now be discussed on November 13, right after the Legacy and Board presentations.

    SCM #3 for Council questions: SCM #3 will focus on Council questions related to the budgets. Council members are encouraged to communicate directly with staff and save questions, particularly those meant for public discussion, for the meeting on November 15. Each councillor will have a five-minute time slot for their questions.

    Dedicated Council amendment meetings: Two designated meetings for Council Amendments, one on November 27 and the other on December 5, have been added to the schedule. No further meetings can be scheduled after December 5 due to the 30-day window.