Main Motion
Moved ByCouncillor Goller
Seconded ByCouncillor Allt
That the following recommendations be approved:
- That the 2023 operating budget be readopted as amended at a gross expenditure budget of $508,599,380 with a 2023 property tax and payment-in-lieu of taxes levy requirement of $297,280,030 or 4.96 per cent over 2022 inclusive of the following:
- City service budget requirement, net of the proportionate share of assessment growth, totalling an increased net levy requirement in 2023 of $9,083,317 or 3.25 per cent inclusive of the following:
- Increase of $2,413,429 for in-year Council decisions related to Mayor and Council compensation, Property and Assessed Clean Energy Program, Municipal Accommodations Tax, Farmer’s Market transition to 10C and costs to implement Bill 109.
- Increase of $1,980,000 for new legislation requirements including increased capital transfers of $1,000,000 to fund preliminary impacts of Bill 23 and an increased benefit of $980,000 related to changing eligibility for the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System.
- Elimination of the $500,000 transfer to the Affordable Housing reserve in response to exemptions outlined in Bill 23.
- Reduction of $469,000 for phase-in of South End Community Centre and Baker District Redevelopment.
- Increased funding of $1,255,830 through other revenues and grants associated with the Property and Assessed Clean Energy Program and Municipal Accommodations Tax.
- Additional assessment growth revenue of $594,831.
- Transfers from the Tourism Municipal Accommodation Tax reserve of $171,910 to support the Municipal Accommodations Tax program.
- Increased transfers from contingency reserves of $1,692,109.
- Rates, fees and charges totalling an increased requirement of $2,517,346 or 2.73 per cent over 2022 inclusive of the following:
- Increased investment of $600,000 to fund preliminary impacts of Bill 23 including a $300,000 transfer to the Water Capital reserve and a $300,000 transfer to the Wastewater Capital reserve.
- Increased transfers from rate-specific contingency reserves of $600,000.
- Local Boards and Shared Services budget requirement, net of the proportionate share of assessment growth, totaling an increased net levy requirement and in 2023 of $4,792,488 or 1.71 per cent inclusive of the following:
- Additional assessment growth revenue of $292,977.
- Total transfers to/from Reserve and Reserve Funds in 2023 in accordance with the Reserve and Reserve Fund summary.
- That the temporary pressures of inflation and increasing expenses resulting from supply chain challenges be offset by temporary operating surpluses experienced from tight labour markets and increased investment income, and that any shortfall be funded through the City’s Tax Rate Operating Contingency reserve in 2023.
- That the 2024-2025 operating budget forecast and the 2026 inflationary budget forecast be received for information, with a full four-year multi-year budget planned for 2024-2027.
- That the 2023 approved capital budget be amended with a net reduction of $38,751,650 resulting in the gross 2023 capital expenditure budget of $123,155,500 and the associated operating budget required upon completion of these projects totalling $1,182,700, be readopted inclusive of the following:
- Funding transfers from capital reserve funds and other sources including partnerships and grants.
- That the 2024-2031 capital forecast in the gross amount of $1,736,763,840, be received unchanged as presented in December 2021, with a full 10-year budget and forecast update to be prepared for the 2024-2027 multi-year budget.
- That the Guelph General Hospital levy in the amount of $750,000 be budgeted for the third of six years as approved on December 3, 2019 and be funded from the Tax Rate Operating Contingency reserve.
- That the Downtown Guelph Business Association 2023 budget with gross expenditures of $719,512, and a total levy of $679,800 be confirmed as presented on Dec 2, 2021.
First Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor Klassen
Seconded ByCouncillor Gibson
- That non-union compensation adjustment in the amount of $1,097,000 be approved for 2023; representing a 1.95 percent adjustment and the associated employee benefits.
| Voting in Favour: (13) | Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew |
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Carried (13 to 0)
Second Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor Goller
Seconded ByCouncillor Downer
- To remove staff recommendation 1.a.iii. to remove the elimination of the Affordable Housing reserve transfer adding a levy impact of 0.18 per cent in 2023
Councillor Billings raised a point of order. Councillor Billings asked for confirmation on process of amendments as it relates to budget. Mayor Guthrie ruled to allow the motion.
Amendment to the Second Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor Downer
Seconded ByCouncillor O'Rourke
- To remove staff recommendation 1.a.iii. to remove the elimination of the Affordable Housing reserve transfer and that a transfer be allocated from Tax Rate Operating Contingency Reserve to the Affordable Housing reserve in 2023.
Amendment to the Second Amendment was withdrawn by the mover.
The Second Amendment to the Main Motion was withdrawn by the mover.
Third Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor Goller
Seconded ByCouncillor Caron
- To remove clause 1. a. iii. from the Main Motion.
| Voting in Favour: (13) | Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew |
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Carried (13 to 0)
Fourth Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor Goller
Seconded ByCouncillor Klassen
- That a transfer be allocated from Tax Rate Operating Contingency Reserve to the Affordable Housing Reserve of $500,000 in 2023
| Voting in Favour: (13) | Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew |
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Carried (13 to 0)
Fifth Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor Goller
Seconded ByCouncillor Caron
- To temporarily extend the Kids Ride Free Pilot Program, in 2023, until the upcoming Transit Fare Strategy is approved by Council, at a maximum cost of $138,911, funded from the Tax Rate Operating Contingency Reserve. If the Kids Ride Free Program is not approved by Council as part of the Transit Fare Strategy, a wind down period of up to 4 months is recommended and would be funded through this allocation.
The Fifth Amendment was withdrawn by the mover.
Sixth Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor Goller
Seconded ByCouncillor Caron
- To temporarily extend the Kids Ride Free Pilot Program, in 2023, until the upcoming Transit Fare Strategy is approved by Council, at a maximum cost of $138,911, funded from the Tax Rate Operating Contingency Reserve.
| Voting in Favour: (13) | Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew |
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Carried (13 to 0)
Seventh Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor Goller
Seconded ByCouncillor O'Rourke
- To approve the Affordable Bus Pass – Sliding Scale Pilot Program to be continued on an ongoing basis at an annual cost of $458,000 to be added to the base budget in 2024, and to fund 2023 costs totaling $558,000, including one-time capital costs of $100,000 and operating costs of $458,000 from the Tax Rate Operating Contingency Reserve.
| Voting in Favour: (13) | Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew |
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Carried (13 to 0)
Eighth Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor Goller
Seconded ByCouncillor Richardson
- To provide an ongoing annual contribution to the Welcoming Streets initiative at a cost of $202,500 in 2023, with increases considered annually as part of the Community Benefits Agreement process, adding a tax levy impact of 0.07 per cent in 2023.
Amendment to the Eighth Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
Seconded ByCouncillor Billings
- To provide an ongoing annual contribution to the Welcoming Streets initiative at a cost of $202,500 in 2023, adding a tax levy impact of 0.07 per cent in 2023.
| Voting in Favour: (13) | Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew |
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Carried (13 to 0)
Eighth Amendment as Amended
Moved ByCouncillor Goller
Seconded ByCouncillor Richardson
- To provide an ongoing annual contribution to the Welcoming Streets initiative at a cost of $202,500 in 2023, adding a tax levy impact of 0.07 per cent in 2023.
| Voting in Favour: (13) | Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew |
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Carried (13 to 0)
Ninth Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
Seconded ByCouncillor Klassen
- To add $300,000 for City Building investment: Business Service Agencies Agreements to address the current under-funding of Guelph’s business service agencies and help fund services that include consulting, market research, referrals, mentorship for female, BIPOC, student, circular economy, small businesses, and more, with a tax levy impact of 0.11% in 2023.
The Ninth Amendment was withdrawn by the mover.
Tenth Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
Seconded ByCouncillor Klassen
- To add $300,000 for City Building investment to fund Business Service Agencies Agreements that include consulting, market research, referrals, and mentorship with a tax levy impact of 0.11% in 2023.
| Voting in Favour: (11) | Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew |
| Voting Against: (2) | Councillor Gibson, and Councillor Billings |
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Carried (11 to 2)
Eleventh Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor Goller
Seconded ByCouncillor Downer
- That given the financial impacts expected as a result of changing provincial housing legislation, and the increasingly urgent homelessness, addictions and mental health crisis being felt in our community, staff be directed to assess any identified gaps, while considering the multi-agency and multi-governmental responsibility for these services, and to monitor and report on such impacts before the implementation of the multi-year budget in a stand-alone report outlining any emerging provincial funding opportunities or recommend any potential local governance and service delivery mechanisms for council consideration. And, to help facilitate this work, that staff be authorized to use one time funding in the amount of up to $150,000 from the Tax Rate Contingency Reserve for expertise in this field to help inform next steps. And that staff respectfully request outside agencies, boards and stakeholders involved in this work to collaborate throughout this process.
| Voting in Favour: (13) | Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew |
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Carried (13 to 0)
Council recessed 3:37 p.m.
Council resumed 3:46 p.m.
Twelfth Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor Billings
Seconded ByCouncillor Richardson
- That the financial impacts of Bill 23 for 2023 be funded by the Tax Rate Operating Contingency Reserve.
Amendment to the Twelfth Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor Gibson
Seconded ByCouncillor Billings
- That the financial impacts of Bill 23 for 2023 be funded by the Tax Rate Operating Contingency Reserve in the amount of $500,000.
| Voting in Favour: (13) | Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew |
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Carried (13 to 0)
Twelfth Amendment as Amended
Moved ByCouncillor Billings
Seconded ByCouncillor Richardson
- That the financial impacts of Bill 23 for 2023 be funded by the Tax Rate Operating Contingency Reserve in the amount of $500,000.
| Voting in Favour: (9) | Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew |
| Voting Against: (4) | Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor Caron, and Councillor Caton |
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Carried (9 to 4)
Thirteenth Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor Gibson
Seconded ByCouncillor Billings
- That Council remove $938,000 phase-in costs for the south end recreation center and new central library from the 2023 operating budget increase. Reducing the 2023 budget increase by 0.34%.
| Voting in Favour: (5) | Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Klassen |
| Voting Against: (8) | Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew |
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Defeated (5 to 8)
Fourteenth Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor Gibson
Seconded ByCouncillor Billings
- That Council remove $469,000 phase-in costs for the south end recreation center and new central library from the 2023 operating budget increase. Reducing the 2023 budget increase by 0.17%.
| Voting in Favour: (5) | Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Billings, and Councillor Klassen |
| Voting Against: (8) | Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew |
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Defeated (5 to 8)
Fifteenth Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor Gibson
Seconded ByCouncillor Billings
- That council reduce the infrastructure renewal transfer by $2.8 million in 2023 representing a 1.00% reduction to the overall budget increase.
Amendment to the Fifteenth Amendment
Moved ByCouncillor Billings
Seconded ByCouncillor Klassen
- That council reduce the infrastructure renewal transfer by $1.4 million in 2023 representing a 0.50% reduction to the overall budget increase.
| Voting in Favour: (10) | Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew |
| Voting Against: (3) | Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, and Councillor Caron |
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Carried (10 to 3)
Fifteenth Amendment as Amended
Moved ByCouncillor Gibson
Seconded ByCouncillor Billings
- That council reduce the infrastructure renewal transfer by $1.4 million in 2023 representing a .50% reduction to the overall budget increase.
| Voting in Favour: (8) | Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, and Councillor Chew |
| Voting Against: (5) | Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, and Councillor Busuttil |
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Carried (8 to 5)
Main Motion as Amended
Moved ByCouncillor Goller
Seconded ByCouncillor Allt
That the following recommendations be approved:
- That the 2023 operating budget be readopted as amended at a gross expenditure budget of $509,152,141 with a 2023 property tax and payment-in-lieu of taxes levy requirement of $295,822,530 or 4.46 per cent over 2022 inclusive of the following:
- City service budget requirement, net of the proportionate share of assessment growth, totalling an increased net levy requirement in 2023 of $7,685,816 or 2.75 per cent inclusive of the following:
- Increase of $2,413,429 for in-year Council decisions related to Mayor and Council compensation, Property and Assessed Clean Energy Program, Municipal Accommodations Tax, Farmer’s Market transition to 10C and costs to implement Bill 109.
- Increase of $1,980,000 for new legislation requirements including increased capital transfers of $1,000,000 to fund preliminary impacts of Bill 23 and an increased benefit of $980,000 related to changing eligibility for the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System.
- Increase of $388,911 for one-time investments related to the Kids Ride Free Pilot Program extension, Affordable Bus Pass – Sliding Scale Program and resources to address homelessness, addictions and mental health crisis in the community.
- Increase of $1,050,810 for on-going annual investments related to Affordable Bus Pass – Sliding Scale Program, Welcoming Streets Program and Business Service Agencies Agreements.
- Reduction of $496,000 for phase-in of South End Community Centre and Baker District Redevelopment.
- Increased funding of $1,255,830 through other revenues and grants associated with the Property and Assessed Clean Energy Program and Municipal Accommodations Tax.
- Additional assessment growth revenue of $594,831.
- Transfers from the Tourism Municipal Accommodation Tax reserve of $171,910 to support the Municipal Accommodations Tax program.
- Reduction of the infrastructure renewal transfer of $1,400,000.
- Increased transfers from contingency reserves of $3,629,330
- Rates, fees and charges totalling an increased requirement of $2,517,346 or 2.73 per cent over 2022 inclusive of the following:
- Increased investment of $600,000 to fund preliminary impacts of Bill 23 including a $300,000 transfer to the Water Capital reserve and a $300,000 transfer to the Wastewater Capital reserve.
- Increase of $12,560 for on-going annual investments related to NUME compensation.
- Increased transfers from rate-specific contingency reserves of $612,560.
- Local Boards and Shared Services budget requirement, net of the proportionate share of assessment growth, totaling an increased net levy requirement and in 2023 of $4,792,488 or 1.71 per cent inclusive of the following:
- Additional assessment growth revenue of $292,977.
- Total transfers to/from Reserve and Reserve Funds in 2023 in accordance with the Reserve and Reserve Fund summary.
- That the temporary pressures of inflation and increasing expenses resulting from supply chain challenges be offset by temporary operating surpluses experienced from tight labour markets and increased investment income, and that any shortfall be funded through the City’s Tax Rate Operating Contingency reserve in 2023.
- That the 2024-2025 operating budget forecast and the 2026 inflationary budget forecast be received for information, with a full four-year multi-year budget planned for 2024-2027.
- That the 2023 approved capital budget be amended with a net reduction of $38,751,650 resulting in the gross 2023 capital expenditure budget of $123,155,500 and the associated operating budget required upon completion of these projects totalling $1,182,700, be readopted inclusive of the following:
- Funding transfers from capital reserve funds and other sources including partnerships and grants.
- That the 2024-2031 capital forecast in the gross amount of $1,736,763,840, be received unchanged as presented in December 2021, with a full 10-year budget and forecast update to be prepared for the 2024-2027 multi-year budget.
- That the Guelph General Hospital levy in the amount of $750,000 be budgeted for the third of six years as approved on December 3, 2019 and be funded from the Tax Rate Operating Contingency reserve.
- That the Downtown Guelph Business Association 2023 budget with gross expenditures of $719,512, and a total levy of $679,800 be confirmed as presented on Dec 2, 2021
| Voting in Favour: (11) | Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew |
| Voting Against: (2) | Councillor Gibson, and Councillor Billings |
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Carried (11 to 2)