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 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 mayors’ 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.