Special Council Budget Meeting

The City of Welland’s budget meeting on November 11, 2024, covered legislative responsibilities, community engagement results, and the Mayor’s 2025 proposed budget, including tax-supported and capital budget updates. Three reports were on the agenda:

• Legislative Responsibilities in the Budget Process: Presented legislative requirements for the new budget cycle.
• Budget Communications and Engagement: Showcased resident feedback, identifying priorities for services and spending.
• Mayor’s 2025 Proposed Budget: Outlined the 2025 budget vision, focusing on essential services, economic growth, and community well-being.

The meeting provided an opportunity for City Council to discuss budget priorities and review community feedback in preparation of the first round of amendments, scheduled for November 18.

There are three scheduled Special Council meetings dedicated to the budget process to review and consider amendments to the Mayor’s proposed 2025 budget. The first two meetings are designated for reviewing and conditionally approving submitted amendments, with any approved amendments impacting the final tax and water rates for 2025.

A third meeting will be held for the final approval of these strictly conditional amendments. Before the first two meetings, Council members will have the opportunity to ask questions related to the budget, though they are encouraged to reach out to staff in advance with any inquiries about budget processes, specific items, or other related matters.

To ensure a thorough review of all conditionally approved amendments and their effect on the final tax and water rates, this process will follow a two-step approach. Staff will provide Council with an estimate of the tax or rate impact for each amendment to assist in determining whether the amendment should advance through the approval process.

For those interested in the survey results, you can view them in the Budget Communications and Engagement report (see Appendix A). Additionally, updates will be made to the 2025 Budget page on Engage Welland, including the meeting video, reports, and more.