03 - June 11, 2024 Budget Committee Agenda PackageOZ5
ElgmCounty
Budget Committee
Orders of the Day
Tuesday, June 11, 2024, 1:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas ON
Note for Members of the Public:
Please click the link below to watch the Council Meeting:
https://www.facebook.com/ElginCountyAdmin/
Accessible formats available upon request.
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Adoption of Minutes
4. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
5. Delegations
6. Reports/Briefings
6.1 Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk - Budget Committee Terms of
Reference (verbal)
6.2 Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk and Director of Financial
Services/Treasurer - Public Engagement Review (verbal)
6.3 Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk and Director of Financial
Services/Treasurer - Proposed Budget Survey Review (verbal)
6.4 Director of Financial Services/Treasurer - Finance Department Status
Review (verbal)
7. Other Business
8. Correspondence
9. Closed Meeting Items
10. Motion to Rise and Report
11. Date of Next Meeting
12. Adjournment
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Budget Committee
Minutes
February 13, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas ON
Members Present: Warden Ed Ketchabaw, Chair (Committee Member)
Deputy Warden Grant Jones (Committee Member)
Councillor Andrew Sloan (Committee Member) (virtual)
Councillor Mike Hentz (Committee Member)
Councillor Mark Widner
Councillor Todd Noble
Staff Present: Blaine Parkin, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk
Brian Masschaele, Director of Community & Cultural Services
Amy Thomson, Director of Human Resources
Michele Harris, Director of Homes and Seniors Services
Jennifer Ford, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer
Nicholas Loeb, Director of Legal Services
Peter Dutchak, Director of Engineering Services
Jenna Fentie, Manager of Administrative Services/Deputy Clerk
Carolyn Krahn, Manager of Economic Development, Tourism &
Strategic Initiatives
Stefanie Heide, Legislative Services Coordinator
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5.03 p.m. with Warden Ketchabaw in the
chair.
2. Approval of Agenda
Moved by: Councillor Hentz
Seconded by: Deputy Warden Jones
RESOLVED THAT the agenda for the February 13, 2024 Budget Committee
meeting be approved as presented.
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Motion Carried.
3. Adoption of Minutes
Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones
Seconded by: Councillor Sloan
RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Budget Committee meeting held on
January 30, 2024 be adopted.
Motion Carried.
4. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
None.
5. Delegations
None.
6. Reports/Briefings
6.1 Director of Financial Services - 2024 Budget Presentation and Public
Consultation Session
The Director of Financial Services presented the 2024 proposed budget
for the Committee's review and comment.
Following the presentation, members of the public were offered the
opportunity to address the Committee. Dave Mennill, Larry Dickhout, and
Mary Lou Crowley addressed the Committee advocating for funding for
the St. Thomas -Elgin General Hospital MRI.
The Director of Financial Services/Treasurer shared comments received
through the County's EngageElgin website, and staff members from
relevant departments provided responses to each question.
Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones
Seconded by: Councillor Hentz
RESOLVED THAT the presentation from the Director of Financial
Services/Treasurer be received for information; and
THAT all comments received through the period of public consultation be
compiled and provided to County Council for consideration prior to budget
approval.
Motion Carried.
7. Other Business
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11.
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None.
Correspondence
None.
Closed Meeting Items
None.
Motion to Rise and Report
None.
Date of Next Meeting
The next Budget Committee meeting will be held at the call of the Chair.
Adjournment
Moved by: Councillor Sloan
Seconded by: Councillor Hentz
RESOLVED THAT we do now adjourn at 5.50 p.m. to meet again at the call of
the Chair.
Motion Carried.
Jenna Fentie,
Manager of Administrative
Services/Deputy Clerk.
Warden Ed Ketchabaw,
Chair.
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Schedule A-4 — Standing Committee — Council Budget Committee
TERMS OF REFERENCE
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Committee Name: Council Budget Committee
Committee Type: Standing Committee
Pursuant to By -Law 19-41, a Standing Committee is a Committee
established by Council, comprised entirely of Members of Council, tc
carry out duties on an ongoing basis, as specified by Council.
Reporting to:
Elgin County Council
Enabling Legislation/
By -Law 19-41 (Procedural By -Law), By -Law 23-01 (Council
By -Law (if applicable)
Committees By -Law)
Staff Support:
CAO/Clerk (or designate) and Director of Finance, other staff as
required
Department Linkage:
Administrative and Financial Services
Term of Appointment:
1 year, Members eligible for reappointment
Financial Impact:
No additional staff resources required
Meeting Frequency:
1 full -day meeting will be held in November and 1 full -day meeting
will be held in December each year. Additional meetings may be
scheduled on an as -needed basis at the discretion of the Chair.
Chair/Vice Chair
Warden
Skills/Qualifications
Financial experience preferred
Membership/Composition
Elgin County Council shall appoint three (3) Members to the
Committee. There will be a total of four (4) Members, including
the Warden. The Warden will serve as the Chair of the Committee.
Candidates will be recommended by the Warden and appointed
by County Council.
Mandate:
The Budget Committee is a Standing Committee of Council
established to deliberate on the Budget, which includes the future
Capital and Current Programs for the County of Elgin.
Objectives:
The Budget Committee shall:
• Review and assess budget principles, allocations and
related financials, providing advice to the Chief
Administrative Officer and Director of Finance on the
annual budget;
• To receive presentations from each department, as
required, on financial matters;
• To evaluate the budgetary implications of proposals for
new and substantially revised programs and services in
advance of Council's budaet deliberations
Link to Council's Strategic Investing in Elgin — To make responsible financial decisions.
Priorities:
Reporting Requirements: The Budget Committee will report to Council on an as -needed
basis.
Timeline for Completion of the Ongoing
Assigned Tasks:
Council Review: Annually
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Elgin County 2024 Budget Survey
All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
County Budget Background
Elgin County's seven (7) partner municipalities (Town of Aylmer, Municipality of
Bayham, Municipality of Central Elgin, Municipality of Dutton Dunwich, Township of
Malahide, Township of Southwold and Municipality of West Elgin) collect property taxes
from property owners, farms and businesses within the municipality. These taxes are
collected for the services and programs delivered locally by your municipality, Elgin
County and School Boards. Elgin County is a two-tier government, which means that
the local municipality provides different services to those provided by the County.
Some of the Services provided by the County include:
• Transportation Services: Road, bridge and infrastructure maintenance
• General Government, Administrative Services and Economic Development and
Tourism
• Property Tax Related Services (includes costs associated with Municipal
Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC)) Planning, Development & Land
Division
• Public Health Services (funding provided to Southwestern Public Health)
Emergency Medical Services (Ambulance)
• Library & Cultural Services (includes 10 branch Libraries, Elgin Heritage Centre
and Archives Social Services (funding provided to the City of St. Thomas who
delivers this service on our behalf) Long -Term Care Homes and Seniors Services
(Elgin Manor, Bobier Villa, Terrace Lodge)
The County of Elgin does not provide the following services (these services are
provided by our Local Municipal Partners):
• Water Infrastructure and Rates
• Sewer Infrastructure and Rates
• Garbage Collection
• Local Municipal Roads
• Parks and Recreational Facilities
As you can see, the County is responsible for providing a wide variety of services. The
chart above has been included to show how your property taxes are spent at the County
level.
Note: Public Health and Property Tax payments are mandatory.
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1. What Municipality do you live in?
o Town of Aylmer
o Municipality of Bayham
o Municipality of Central Elgin
o Township of Malahide
o Township of Southwold
o Municipality of Dutton Dunwich
o Municipality of West Elgin
o I do not live in Elgin County
2. What is the primary category in which you pay taxes?
o Commercial
o Residential
o Agricultural
3. How important are Transportation Services (Roads, Bridges and Infrastructure
Maintenance) to you?
o One of the most important services
o Very important
o Somewhat important
o Not important
o Doesn't matter to me
o Not sure /need to know more
4. Elgin County's investment in Transportation Services (Roads, Bridges and
Infrastructure Maintenance) should be:
o Increased
o Maintained
o Reduced
o Not sure/need to know more
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5. If you chose 'Increased' in #3, please indicate how you would prefer to see an
increase in transportation infrastructure funded?
o An initial one-time larger adjustment to tax levy
o Phased -in increases over 3-4 years
o Debt financing over a short-term (10 years)
o Debt financing over a longer -term (20 years)
6. Approximately 12% of the County's total budget supports Government Services,
Administration, County Council, and Committees. Is this amount:
o Too little
o Appropriate
o Too much
o Not sure/need to know more
7. Elgin County Economic Development and Tourism is dedicated to enhancing the
economic well-being of the region by attracting new businesses, nurturing existing ones,
supporting entrepreneurship, and promoting tourism, all while encouraging private
sector investment to drive economic growth and prosperity, thereby reducing the
pressure on residential taxes. Are our efforts:
o Very effective
o Effective
o Ineffective
o Not sure/need to know more
8. Elgin County's investment in Economic Development (Business Support, Retention
and Workforce Development efforts) and Tourism should be:
o Increased
o Maintained
o Decreased
o Not sure/need to know more
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9. The County makes planning decisions that will determine the future of communities
through an Official Plan and through by-laws that establish rules and regulations that
control development.
The Planning Department is responsible for ensuring the orderly development of land in
Elgin County. County Planning staff review applications for official plan amendments,
subdivisions, and condominiums, as well as other planning applications for which the
County is the approval authority. Planning also provides feedback on local municipal
planning matters, such as zoning amendments and site plans.
The Land Division Committee oversees the creation of new lots and easements, as well
as adding land to existing parcels where a plan of subdivision is not required. The Land
Division Committee meets monthly to review applications and ensure that approved
severances follow Provincial policies and County and Municipal Official Plans.
How important is Planning and Development Services (including Land Division
Committee) to you?
o One of the most important services
o Very important
o Somewhat important
o Not important
o Doesn't matter to me
o Not sure/need to know more
10. Elgin County's investment in Planning and Development (including Land Division
Committee) should be:
o Increased
o Decreased
o Maintained
o Not sure/need to know more
11. How important are Public Health Services (funding provided to Southwestern Public
Health) to you?
o One of the most important Services
o Very important
o Somewhat important
o Not important
o Doesn't matter to me
o Not sure/need to know more
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12. Elgin County's investment in Public Health Services (funding provided to
Southwestern Public Health) should be:
o Increased
o Maintained
o Decreased
o Not sure/need to know more
13. How important are Emergency Medical Services (Ambulance) to you?
o One of the most important services
o Very Important
o Somewhat important
o Not important
o Doesn't matter to me
o Not sure/need to know more
14. Elgin County's investment in Emergency Medical Services (Ambulance) should be:
o Increased
o Maintained
o Decreased
o Not sure/need to know more
15. How important are Elgin's 10 branch Libraries and Cultural Services (Elgin Heritage
Centre and Archives) to you?
One of the most important services
o Very important
o Somewhat important
o Not important
o Doesn't matter to me
o Not sure/need to know more
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16. Elgin County's investment in Elgin's 10 branch Libraries and Cultural Services (Elgin
Heritage Centre and Archives) should be:
o Increased
o Maintained
o Decreased
o Not sure/need to know more
17. How important are Social Services and Affordable Housing (funding provided to the
City of St. Thomas, who delivers these services on our behalf) to you?
o One of the most important services
o Very important
o Somewhat important
o Not important
o Doesn't matter to me
o Not sure/need to know more
18. Elgin County's investment in are Social Services and Affordable Housing (funding
provided to the City of St. Thomas, who delivers these services on our behalf) should
be:
o Increased
o Maintained
o Decreased
o Not sure/need to know more
19. Elgin Manor, Bobier Villa and Terrace Lodge are Elgin County's owned and
operated Long -Term Care Home facilities providing personal and health services to 247
residents. How important are Long -Term Care Homes and Seniors Services (Elgin
Manor, Bobier Villa and Terrace Lodge Long -Term Care Homes) to you?
o One of the most important
o Very important
o Somewhat important
o Doesn't matter to me
o Not sure/need to know more
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20. Elgin County's investment in are Long -Term Care Homes and Seniors Services
(Elgin Manor, Bobier Villa and Terrace Lodge Long -Term Care Homes) should be:
o Increased
o Maintained
o Decreased
o Not sure/need to know more
21. Do you feel that you receive good value for your tax dollars?
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Neutral
o Disagree
o Strongly Disagree
22. Please indicate why you feel you do or do not receive good value for your tax
dollars:
Please add your comment here...
23. What do you think will be the biggest challenges facing Elgin County in the near
future?
o Maintaining high -quality roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure
o Emergency medical services
o Seniors services
o Support for business
o Not sure/need to know more
o Other (please provide your comments):
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24. Please pick your top TWO (2) priorities that you believe Elgin County should spend
more tax dollars on-
o Transportation Services (roads, bridges and infrastructure maintenance)
o Social services and affordable housing (market rent housing, supportive housing,
rent -geared -to -income and emergency shelter)
o Emergency medical services (ambulance)
o Public Health
o Providing grants for community programs, services and events
o Library & cultural services (including museums and archives)
o Long-term care homes and seniors services
o Solving other emergent challenges such as connectivity, housing, etc.
o Not sure/need to know more
o Other (please specify)
25. Acceptable ways to increase spending on these services include (please check all
that apply):
o Increase in tax levy
o Decrease spending in other service and program areas
o Make increased spending conditional on increase in provincial funding
o Finding efficiencies
o Not sure/need to know more
o Other (please specify)
26. Fewer tax dollars should be spent on (select top TWO that apply):
o Transportation Services (roads, bridges and infrastructure maintenance)
o Emergency medical services (ambulance)
o Long-term care homes and seniors services
o Public Health
o Providing grants for community programs, services and events
o Library & cultural services (including museums and archives)
o Solving other emergent challenges such as connectivity, housing, etc.
o Not sure/need to know more
o Social services and affordable housing (market rent housing, supportive housing,
rent -geared -to -income and emergency shelter)
o Other (please specify)
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27. If tax increases are necessary to maintain or improve the level of services provided
by the County, what would be an acceptable yearly tax increase over the next 10 years.
0 0%
o 0-2%
o 2-4%
o 4-6%
o Other (please specify)
28. Do you have any other comments or suggestions for the Budget Committee or
Council regarding the 2024 budget?
Please add your comment here...
29. We appreciate your participation in this budget survey! If you would like to enter our
draw to win one (1) of four (4) free pies, please enter your email below. Your name and
email address are collected and used solely for the purpose of the draw and to contact
you in the event you are a winner, your responses to the budget survey will still remain
anonymous.
Email:
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