Finance and Administration Committee Finalizes Budget 2018: Accelerating Progress

Following deliberations on December 5 and 6, the Finance and Administration Committee is recommending Council approval of the City of Greater Sudbury’s 2018 Budget.

Several changes were made to the proposed budget in order to approve a budget with a 3.0 % tax increase and 7.4 % water/wastewater rate increase.

For a typical home assessed at $230,000 the 3.0 % tax increase is equivalent to an increase of approximately $87 more than 2017 taxes, or an additional $7.25 monthly. The 7.4 % water/wastewater user rate increase is in accordance with the financial plan for Water/Wastewater and will ensure fiscal sustainability of the service.

The 2018 Budget outlines the City’s plans for the year. It reflects the priorities described in Council’s Strategic Plan, as well as costs and revenues associated with services, and a focus on infrastructure renewal.

"City Council is dedicated to ensuring tax dollars are spent responsibly,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “This budget is investing in the services we have come to rely on, as well as our infrastructure and our quality of life. I want to thank Council and staff for their participation in the process and for their hard work.”

The 2018 operating budget amounts to $564 million which ensures continuity of the services and service levels residents rely on every day. The 2018 capital budget is $263 million, with a roads budget of $104 million, including the four-laning of Municipal Road 35, continuation of Lorne Street rehabilitation, and an increased investment in cycling infrastructure.

Approved service level changes include:
•    Financing for a new Arena/Event Centre
•    Additional syringe recovery and needle bins
•    Continued support for physician recruitment
•    Increased investment in playground revitalization
•    Funding support for Maison McCulloch Hospice
•    Investment in downtown Sudbury and Town Centre Community Improvement Plan

“The 2018 budget maintains tax rates that are among the lowest in Ontario while delivering the services residents depend on daily,” said City of Greater Sudbury Chief Administrative Officer Ed Archer. “Along with staff, I look forward to delivering results throughout 2018 and to continued progress throughout the city.”

City Council will be asked to provide final approval of the budget at its December 12, 2017, meeting.

The meeting is open to the public and is live streamed at www.greatersudbury.ca. Residents are encouraged to attend or tune in. Visit www.greatersudbury.ca/budget for more information.

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