Taxes
– At the beginning of its term, Council passed a fiscal framework that would limit tax increases to no more than 2.5% annually. It has done better than this target for three consecutive budgets.
– In the 2014 Budget, Council is aiming to do even better, with a tax increase of no more than 2% – the lowest in seven years.
Savings and Spending
Since the beginning of its term, this Council has:
– Frozen recreation fees
– Frozen the Mayor’s salary
– Frozen the administrative budgets of the Mayor and Council
– Reduced the City workforce in the last two budgets (the first time since amalgamation)
– By offering more online options and finding eciencies through ServiceOttawa, the City saved more than $10 million in 2013
– Council has also made targeted investments in community facilities and basic infrastructure renewal projects
Debt
– Ottawa has the lowest debt per capita of major Canadian cities and its excellent credit rating has not changed since this Council took office
– Only 5.5% of the City-raised revenues are used to pay for principal and interest on debt – well below the 25% threshold mandated by the Province
– This Council has put in place a plan to invest in long-neglected infrastructure improvements such as roads, sewers and sidewalks
Budget timeline
– Summer 2013: Mayor’s pre-budget consultation
– October 23: Tabling of 2014 draft operating and capital budgets at Council
– October 28 to November 25: Public consultations and committee meetings (full details available at ottawa.ca/budget2014 or by calling 3-1-1)
– November 27: Council consideration of 2014 draft tax and rate supported budget
What do you think?
– How can the City save money?
– How can the City better spend money?