City Council (BUDGET)

THAT Council enter into an In-Camera session.

THAT Council approve the minutes of the January 16, 2024 meeting as presented.

THAT Council RECEIVE report F-2024-03 Mayor’s Proposed Draft 2024 Tax Levy Supported Budget – Variance Analysis for information. THAT Council APPROVE the 2023 budget reclassifications identified in Attachment 13. Ayes: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Wayne Campbell, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Wayne Thomson, Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg, and Councillor Mona Patel

THAT Staff Report F-2024-04, 2024 Budget Engagement Survey Results BE RECEIVED as information.

THAT Council direct Staff to send a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, bringing attention to the City of Niagara Falls' application to the Housing Accelerator Fund; reinforcing our City's need for partnership from other levels of government; and furthermore, seeking confirmation that the City qualifies for funding and encouraging approval.

THAT Council receive the presentation by Tiffany Clark, Director of Finance, on the 2024 Operating Budget.

That Council APPROVE the following:  For 2024 only, adding back the 2024 OLG subsidy reduction of $565,000 to the Mayor’s proposed budget reducing the impact by 0.65%.  Adding back the 2024 debt placeholder deferral of $260,000 adding 0.30% to the levy impact.  Adding back part of the 2023 fleet deferral totaling $305,000 adding 0.35% to the levy impact. THEREBY, keeping the operating increase at 3.5%. Ayes: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Wayne Campbell, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Wayne Thomson, Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg, and Councillor Mona Patel

THAT a 1.5% temporary 20-year hospital levy not be phased in equally over three (3) years.

THAT Council direct Staff to add 0.45% back into the budget for Fleet replacement.

THAT staff be DIRECTED to find sustainable savings or revenue increases of $1.0 million that can be enacted in the 2025 budget to better achieve budget sustainability.

That Council shorten the 30 day review period, allowed under the Strong Mayors Act, by 15 days, such that the review period ends on January 23, 2024.

That Council RECEIVE the Mayor’s Proposed Draft 2024 Tax Levy Supported Budget with revenues and expenses each totaling $150,477,067 as per attachment 1. That Council APPROVE the use of reserve funding as outlined in attachment 2. That Council APPROVE the 2024 staff recommended funding levels and classifications for Boards and Commissions, Fee for Service, Grants and Honorariums as presented on Attachment 7, totaling $8,055,345 of which $7,072,446 will be funded by the tax levy, representing an increase in tax levy funding of $192,119 (0.2% tax levy impact) from prior year. For clarity, these recommendations are already included in the Mayor’s Proposed Budget recommendations. Council called for a 10 minute recess at 7:55 PM. Council resumed at 8:07 PM. Ayes: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Wayne Campbell, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Wayne Thomson, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg, and Councillor Mona Patel Nays: Councillor Lori Lococo

That a 2024 tax levy increase related to operating revenues and expenditures of $3,402,914 (3.95%) BE APPROVED That the 2024 net tax levy of $89,505,600 BE APPROVED. That the Mayor consider shortening his 10-day veto period by 10 days, by providing written documentation to members of Council and the Municipal Clerk to shorten the veto period, such that the Veto period ends on January 23, 2024, thereby allowing the Mayor’s Proposed Draft 2024 Tax Levy Supported Budget to be deemed adopted on January 23, 2024. Ayes: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Wayne Campbell, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Wayne Thomson, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg, and Councillor Mona Patel Nays: Councillor Lori Lococo

THAT the by-law be read a first, second and third time and passed.

THAT Council adjourn the meeting at 8:20 PM.