City of Greater Sudbury Presents Proposed 2019 Budget

The City’s proposed budget for the year was presented to City Council at the Finance and Administration Committee meeting tonight. 

Following directions provided by Council, the proposed budget ensures all existing programs and service levels continue and includes a number of potential service improvements. The plan includes a 3.5 per cent property tax increase, which is all subject to Council review and approval. Options to reduce this impact to 3 and 2.5 per cent will be provided to Council as part of a staff report on February 19, 2019.

“I look forward to reviewing the proposed budget and thank staff for the substantial work that has gone into its development,” said Ward 7 Councillor and Finance and Administration Committee Chair Mike Jakubo. “Council will work together with staff to finalize a budget that meets community needs while responsibly ensuring our City’s future sustainability.”

The proposed operating budget of $588.9 million includes the costs required to perform routine operations and provide daily services based on Council’s approved service levels. Approximately 46 % ($272.6 million) of the operating budget is funded by property taxes.

For a typical home assessed at $230,000, a 3.5 per cent property tax increase amounts to an increase of approximately $9 a month. 

The 2019 Budget presents the City’s first enterprise-wide prioritized capital program. This is important as the City increases its capacity for asset management planning and making the best investments possible to make sure services are supported by capable assets such as roads, bridges and facilities.  The proposed capital budget of $116.6 million focuses on asset renewal and includes investments in roads, drainage projects, facility upgrades, cycling infrastructure and more. A special levy of 1.5% is recommended to accelerate the community’s known asset renewal needs.

Water and wastewater services, which are also provided by the municipality and form part of the budget, are completely funded by user fees. In line with the long range financial plan, there is a recommended 7.4 per cent annual water/wastewater rate increase.

“The budget describes the resources required to deliver City programs and services for the year, while providing important context for understanding our services ,” said City of Greater Sudbury Chief Administrative Officer Ed Archer. “Planned infrastructure renewal requirements in 2019, together with investments in new projects, will transform and benefit the community.”

Highlights of the proposed 2019 budget include:

• $46.6 million invested in the city’s road network, including funding for the Maley Drive Extension project and $15.6 million for several bridge and culvert rehabilitation projects throughout the community
• $18.5 million for winter road maintenance, up from $17 million in 2018
• $4.3 million investment in recreational assets, including upgrades to the Howard Armstrong Recreation Centre and the Dowling Leisure Centre
• $3.2 million for projects at the Azilda and Sudbury landfill sites to enable the City to responsibly dispose and divert waste and to protect the environment around the landfill sites
• Financing options for the Junction (Art Gallery, Library and Convention/Performance Centre) in the downtown

2019 Budget Public Input

To coincide with the presentation of the 2019 Budget, public input will take place until February 12, 2019. An online budget survey is available for residents to share their spending and public service priorities.

Additionally, several in-person opportunities will take place as follows: 

• A City Services Fair will take place on Wednesday, February 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the New Sudbury Centre - Centre Court. Drop-in any time throughout the day to speak with City staff and learn about important services areas.
• Budget Input Pop-Ups will be held at a number of locations throughout the city, including sporting events, winter carnivals, arenas and libraries. A full schedule will be communicated to the public once details are finalized.

Information received as part of the public input process will be provided as part of a report to Council in advance of budget deliberations.

Online input can be provided at overtoyou.greatersudbury.ca. Paper copies are available at Library and Citizen Service Centres upon request. 

The Finance and Administration Committee is scheduled to deliberate and approve the 2019 Budget at its February 19, 20 and 21 meetings. Council will be asked to approve the budget immediately following the completion of deliberations.

Visit greatersudbury.ca/budget to stay informed on the budget process and to view the proposed 2019 Budget.

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