HomeMy WebLinkAboutFIN 09-23Report to Council
Report Number: FIN 09-23
Date: April 24, 2023
From: Stan Karwowski
Director, Finance & Treasurer
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget
- File: A-2000-001
Recommendation:
1. That Report FIN 09-23 regarding the 2023 Current & Capital Budget be received;
2. That the following budget recommendations be approved;
(a) That the 2023 Current Budget expenditure for personnel costs, consisting of
salaries and wages (Account 501000), overtime (Account 501010) and employee
benefits (Account 501020), excluding Cost Centres 10205 and 10430, in the total
amount of $72,086,268 be approved;
i) That the 2023 Current Budget for Cost Centre 10205 (Programs) expenditure
for personnel costs, consisting of salaries and wages (Account 501000),
overtime (Account 501010) and employee benefits (Account 501020) in the
total amount of $2,234,833 be approved; and
(ii) That the 2023 Current Budget for Cost Centre 10430 (Animal Services)
expenditure for personnel costs, consisting of salaries and wages (Account
501000), overtime (Account 501010) and employee benefits (Account 501020)
in the total amount of $594,099 be approved;
b) That the 2023 General Government Budget for grant expenditures, excluding the
Community Grants to PARA Marine Search & Rescue and Royal Canadian Legion
Branch #606, in the total amount of $348,082 be approved;
c) That the 2023 Community Grant to PARA Marine Search & Rescue in the total
amount of $7,877 be approved;
d) That the 2023 Community Grants to Royal Canadian Legion Branch #606 in the
total amount of $14,000 be approved;
e) That the 2023 Gross Current Budget expenditures for City purposes in the amount
of $62,794,821(excluding personnel costs and grant expenditures) less estimated
current revenues of $70,392,404 (City revenues of $51,981,404 plus $16,000,000
for estimated casino gaming revenue, $1,911,000 for assessment growth plus
supplementary taxes of $500,000) and net transfer from the Rate Stabilization
Reserve of $1,500,000 for City operations be approved;
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 2
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f) That the $16,000,000 in estimated casino gaming revenues be transferred to the
established Casino Reserve (8037);
g) That the Capital from Current expenditure in the amount of $668,000 funded from
property taxes be approved;
h) That the Casino Reserve (8037) fund the expected Elexicon dividend decrease of
$1,452,744;
i) That the estimated Bill 23 DC funding shortfall of $3,500,000 be funded from the
Casino Reserve (8037), if required;
j) That the total final City levy under paragraphs 2. a), b), c), d), f), g), h) and i)
above, plus an additional $760,000 for Asset Management Investment, for a total
final levy of $82,162,832 being an increase of approximately 7.99 percent over the
2022 Budget, be approved;
3. That the 2023 Capital Budget for the City of Pickering with a Gross Expenditure of
$58,899,668 be adopted as presented:
a) That the following capital financing sources be approved as presented in the
2023 Capital Budget:
Transfer from Current Fund to Capital Fund $ 668,000
Transfers from Reserves:
Replacement Capital Reserve (8001) 419,000
Rate Stabilization Reserve (8007) 5,317,000
City Share DC Projects Reserve (8008) 2,751,800
Don Beer Arena Reserve (8012) 120,000
PRC Core Reserve (8013) 60,000
Vehicle Replacement Reserve (8016) 1,727,700
Sustainable Initiatives Reserve (8024) 119,000
Facilities Reserve (8026) 160,000
Fence Reserve (8028) 200,000
Minor Buildings Reserve (8029) 290,000
Tennis Reserve (8031) 588,500
Major Equipment Reserve (8032) 2,360,000
Library Building Reserve (8036) 110,000
Casino Reserve (8037) 4,533,700
Cherrywood Reserve (TBD) 45,000
Transfers from Reserve Funds:
3rd Party Obligatory Reserve Fund (8200) $ 200,000
Parkland Reserve Fund (8501) 718,000
CCBB (previously FGT) Reserve Fund (8502) 6,664,000
CBC Obligatory Reserve Fund (8505) 489,026
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 3
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Development Charge Reserve Funds (8600) 8,211,364
Community Facilities Reserve Fund (8700) 366,000
Capital Works Reserve Fund (8701) 187,000
Operations Centre Reserve Fund (8705) 3,231,800
Stormwater Mgmt. Reserve Fund (8707) 1,400,000
Seaton FIA Reserve Fund (8710) (194,046)
Other:
Internal Loan – 5 year $ 850,000
Debt – 10 year 526,700
Debt – 15 year 2,000,000
Debt – 20 year (3,024,376)
DC Debt – 5 year 1,235,000
Donations 27,500
Federal Grants 12,542,000
Provincial Grants 500,000
Proceeds from Sale of Land 3,500,000
Total $58,899,668
b) That total external debt financed by property taxes and development charges of
$3,761,700 for the projects identified in the 2023 Capital Budget, and as indicated
in this report, in the amount of $1,235,000 for a period not to exceed 5 years,
$526,700 for a period not to exceed 10 years, $2,000,000 for a period not to
exceed 15 years be approved;
c) That the internal loans in the amount of $850,000 be undertaken at the discretion
of the Director, Finance & Treasurer;
d) That projects identified in the 2023 Capital Budget as being financed through the
issuance of debt be subject to additional, specific approval of the expenditure and
the financing by Council;
e) That any debt repayment, interest or financing provisions contained in the annual
Current Operating Budget not used in the current year’s payments requirements
may, at the discretion of the Director, Finance & Treasurer, be used to apply
towards additional principal repayment, outstanding loan s, debt charges or to
reduce debt or internal loans not issued or transfer funds to the balloon payment
reserve;
f) That all Capital expenditures or portions thereof approved in the 2023 Capital
Budget to be financed through the issuance of debt may, at the discretion of the
Director, Finance & Treasurer, be financed through internal loans, current or
capital funds or a combination thereof;
g) That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to make draws from
Reserve and Reserve Funds for projects included in the approved Capital Budget
up to the amount approved; and
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 4
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h) That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized at his discretion to apply
any excess funds obtained through the issuance of debentures as provided for
under Section 413 of the Municipal Act, 2001 as amended;
4. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to transfer:
a) Any surplus current operating funds at year-end in excess of approximately
$125,000 be allocated in the following manner: the first $70,000 be allocated to
the Elected Officials Life Insurance Reserve (8034) and the remaining surplus be
allocated in the following ratio: 25 percent to the Rate Stabilization Reserve
(8007); 20 percent to the Facilities Reserve (8026); 5 percent to the Public Art
Reserve (8038) and 50 percent to the City Share DC Projects Reserve (8008);
b) Any surplus funds from the Emergency Operational Capital Needs Account
(11100.503510) to the Facilities Reserve (8026); and
c) The revenue from the sale of used vehicles recorded in account (11100.406600)
to the Vehicle Replacement Reserve (8016);
5. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to make any changes or
undertake any actions necessary, to ensure that the plan accommodates any
reallocation of 2023 current operating expenditures and revenues as required while
maintaining the approved levy or to accommodate any labour relations settlements
which also includes adjusting the Personnel related accounts and that the HCA amount
under the proposed ADM 190 be applied to the Chief Administrative Officer and
Directors and that any revenue shortfall as a result of a provincial tax policy change be
adjusted through the 2023 final tax rates;
6. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to use any under expenditures
from projects funded from Reserves or Reserve Funds to fund over expenditures for
approved projects funded from the same source(s) and any unfinanced capital be
funded from a transfer from reserves or reserve funds;
7. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized at his discretion to fund Property
Tax Write-offs account (11100.503000) that exceed the budget provision due to
assessment appeals that translates into a deficit position for the corporation and this
shortfall be funded from a transfer from the Assessment Appeal Reserve (8002) and if
this reserve is depleted then the shortfall be funded from the Rate Stabilization Reserve
(8007) and that any shortfall from Payment-in-Lieu Education Share revenue estimates
be funded from a transfer from the Rate Stabilization Reserve (8007);
8. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized at his discretion to close any
current and completed prior year’s capital expenditu re accounts and to first apply any
excess funding from property taxes to any over expenditure in other accounts and to
secondly transfer any remaining excess funding back to the original sources of funds;
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 5
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9. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to adjust the per kilometer travel
expense reimbursement rate (last increased in 2022) with an effective date of May 1,
2023, from 0.61 cents per kilometre to 0.65 cents per kilometre for the first 5,000
kilometres and from 0.55 cents per kilometre to 0.59 cents per kilometre for travel
beyond 5,000 kilometres;
10. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to apply for all grant applications
based on the 2023 Capital & Current Budget and prior year’s capital projects that have
not started and that Council endorse all future applications that meet senior government
grant criteria and that staff report back to Council at the next possible meeting regarding
which grants staff have applied to;
11. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized at his discretion to close any
capital or consulting account expenditure and corresponding revenue source that is over
three years from the original purchase order date of issuance;
12. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized at his discretion to refinance any
capital expenditures that failed to meet the Canada Community Benefit Fund (previously
called the Federal Gas Tax) reporting criteria from other sources including transfers of
funds from reserves and reserve funds;
13. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to:
a) Undertake transactions in the spot or forward (12 months or less) currency
markets in order to effect United States dollar denominated expenditures in the
Current or Capital Budgets;
b) Sign leases or rental agreements (including summer rentals) on the City’s behalf
for the provision of vehicles or equipment required for temporary use during
periods of equipment breakdown or repair or during periods of increased need
(e.g. inclement weather);
c) Restate the 2023 Current Operating and Capital Budgets to reflect: (i) any
Council changes made at the April 24 Council meeting; (ii) any reorganization or
personnel account changes (salary, benefits and overtime), (iii) reclassifications
that result from salary increases or negotiated labour settlements; and
d) To process budget transfers during the fiscal year which do not change the
overall approved property tax levy;
14. That Council waive the Purchasing Policy where the estimated vehicle repair cost is
below $30,000 (HST excluded) for all fleet vehicles and off road vehicle equipment in
2023, however, a purchase order is still required;
15. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized at his discretion to draw from the
Winter Control Reserve to fund any Current Budget deficit as a result of higher than
budget winter control costs;
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 6
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16. That Council approve the continuing engagement of the firm Watson & Associates
Economists Ltd. to be used for fiscal impact studies and related works regarding City
Centre project, Seaton, Cherrywood, Bill 23 and 109, and any other DC or CBC related
matters;
17. That Council approve the continuing engagement of the following firms: Nixon Poole
Lackie LLP, Municipal Tax Advisor Group and Municipal Tax Equity Consultants for any
studies related to the reassessment or other property tax issues and to protect the
property tax base by defending assessment appeals through proactive assessment
base management;
18. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to review the City’s Reserve and
Reserve Funds from the perspective of maximizing financial efficiency and flexibility
related to the next term as it pertains to the funding of capital projects and that the
Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to transfer funds, close reserves and
reserve funds and or rename reserves and reserve funds;
19. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to transfer an amount up to
$189,975 from the Casino Reserve to fund the net cost of the newly formed New Capital
Facilities Team Cost Centre;
20. That Council authorize the establishment of the Cherrywood Reserve and that all
planning and development fees related to this development be transferred to this
reserve to allow for the use of Cherrywood Development application fees received to
offset the costs incurred for this development;
21. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to transfer an amount up to
$315,760 from the Casino Reserve to establish the new Cherrywood Development
Reserve, and that such funds will be returned to the Casino Reserve in any future year
in which the revenues from the Cherrywood development activity exceed the cost of
processing the development approvals;
22. That Council authorize the establishment of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)
Reserve and that revenues collected from MAT (subject to Council’s approval of the tax)
be transferred to this reserve and that the City’s share of the reserve be used to fund
tourism capital infrastructure;
23. That Council authorize the establishment of the Parks Infrastructure Replacement
Reserve and the funds from this reserve be used to replace parks infrastructure such as
playground equipment, baseball diamonds and outfield fencing, and park upgrades;
24. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to allocate the $760,000 in
additional funding from the 2023 levy for asset management investment as follows: 1/3
to the newly established Parks Infrastructure Replacement Reserve; 1/3 to the Roads
and Bridges Reserve Fund (8706); and 1/3 to the Facilities Reserve (8026);
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 7
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25. That Council approve the annual transfer of funds from the WSIB Reserve when its
year-end balance is greater than $4.0 million, and that these excess funds be
transferred to the WSIB Excess Indemnity Reserve Fund (8702);
26. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to initiate any additional
assessment appeals necessary to protect the assessment base of the City;
27. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized at his discretion to transfer an y
green energy rebates and revenue associated with the Claremont solar roof rental
project account (10325.404500.9480) and other incentives and rebates account
(10325.406551) to the Reserve for Sustainable Initiatives;
28. That Council amend the Community Grant policy as follows:
a) That the grant application deadline date for the 2024 Community Grant Program
be October 27, 2023 to give community groups sufficient time to complete their
applications; and
b) That any organization’s application shall be dee med as ineligible if the grant
request is to fund any activities or expenses that is for the direct or indirect
support of or opposition to, any political party or candidate for public office;
29. That Council add the following asphalt resurfacing projects to the 2023 Capital Budget
in the total amount of $745,000 to be funded from the Canada Community Benefit
Reserve Fund (previously called the Federal Gas Tax);
Street Project Budget
Gwendolyn Street Asphalt Resurfacing - Rouge Valley Drive
to Fawndale Road
$270,000
Petunia Place Asphalt Resurfacing - Gwendolyn Street to
North Terminus
105,000
Flaconcrest Drive Asphalt Resurfacing - Dunbarton Road
Rambleberry Avenue
255,000
Fuschia Lane Asphalt Resurfacing – Grenoble Boulevard to
Modlin Road
115,000
Total $745,000
30. That Council approve the 2023 Low Income Seniors & Persons with Disabilities grant
amount to be increased from $525 to $535 per household;
31. That Council direct the Treasurer to submit future years’ budgets for the remainder of
the term with the priority focus on the health and safety of Pickering residents and staff
through asset management investments;
32. That Council approve Attachment 3, Council Compensation Policy with an effective date
of January 1, 2023;
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 8
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33. That Council approve the international travel by the Division Head , Information
Technology and Supervisor, Network Support to attend the 2023 Dell World conference
in Las Vegas and that the travel costs not exceed $1,100 per person;
34. That the attached draft By-law to amend By-law No. 6191/03 to reduce the Basic Tennis
(Resident) Family annual membership fee from $1,385 (plus HST) to $1,149 (plus HST)
in Schedule I of the Summary of Fees and Charges 2023 be enacted;
35. That Council approve an increase in the Information Technology Division budget
(10405) in the amount of $37,000 to reflect the building related costs associated with
their occupancy of the former Fire Hall Administration building and these costs be
funded by a corresponding reduction in the General government contingency account
(503500) in the same amount and that the Treasurer be authorized to allocate the
building related costs to the appropriate expense accounts;
36. That Council approve that $50,000 be added to the General Government Consulting
account (502230) to undertake a business case analysis regarding either the acquisition
or the establishment of a management agreement with TRCA for the Petticoat Creek
Conservation Park and that this cost be funded from the Rate Stabilization Reserve
(8007);
37. That Council approve the hiring of Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., for the
amount of $50,000, to undertake the consulting work required to inform the City’s
approach to future infrastructure needs (Cherrywood), with the goal that “Growth Should
Be Pay for Growth”;
38. That Council approve a grant to the Pickering Canadian Caribbean Cultural Association
for a “Seniors Tea Party” and that $1,500 be provided for event c osts such as food,
entertainment and promotion and $1,710 be provided to cover rent and associated
rental fees and these costs be funded from the General Government Grants to
Organizations – Contingency Account;
39. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to fund from the contingency
account (503500), additional personnel costs of staff from the Engineering Services and
Corporate Services Department associated with recruitment, if required;
40. That Council authorize project C10325.2201 for EV charging stations at Chestnut Hill
Development Recreation Complex, as included in the 2022 Capital Budget, be
increased from $80,000 to $155,000 and that a $70,000 grant (from ZEVIP) be applied,
resulting in a City Net cost of $85,000 that is $5,000 higher than the 2022 budgeted
amount and that the additional $5,000 be funded from a transfer from the Rate
Stabilization Reserve;
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 9
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41. That the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to change the dedicated
Cherrywood Development Team staffing model, as proposed in the 2023 current budget
to a hybrid approach involving external consulting services and in -house City staffing to
meet project timelines and that the consulting costs be funded from the unspent
personnel expenditures.
42. That Council approve the cancellation of the following previously approved Capital
projects:
a) C10250.2204 - Enclosed Trailer – New – $32,000;
b) C10320.2132 - $230,000 - Village Green Seaton P-105;
c) C10320.2133 - $120,000 - Village Green Seaton P-106;
d) C10320.2138 - $440,000 - Neighbourhood Park Seaton P-107;
e) C10320.2219 - $637,900 - Neighbourhood Park Seaton P-109;
f) C10320.2227 - $289,900 - Village Green Seaton P-108;
g) C10320.2228 - $266,700 - Village Green Seaton P-110;
h) C10320.2229 - $197,200 - Village Green Seaton P-111; and
43. That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized take the necessary actions
as indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: This report contains a summary of the 2023 Current and Capital
Budgets and a discussion of the recommendations. Staff h ave worked hard to ensure that the
2023 Budget is respectful of each dollar contributed by taxpayers, reinvesting those revenues
back into our infrastructure and the many services the City provides to our residents. The big
differences between municipal government and federal and provincial governments are the
number of revenue streams that fund their budgets and the impact on residents. Municipal
governments have limited revenue, consisting primarily of property taxes and service fees,
such as for recreation, by-law and planning. The 2023 Budget strikes a balance between
providing the level and types of services that residents expect and ensuring affordability for all
residents.
The 2023 Budget reflects the dual priorities facing the City: preparing the City for a period of
rapid growth and the need for ongoing infrastructure renewal. This budget positions the City to
meet these challenges by investing in additional staffing and strengthening ongoing capital
investments. The budget also introduces a number of service level enhancements to better
meet the needs of residents including:
Expansion of the senior’s snow removal program from 500 to 750 registrants
Increase in seniors property tax grant from $525 to $535
Expanded Automated Speed Enforcement program
New events at Millennium Square
Staff to support a new Office of Affordability
Funding for the implementation of the digital strategy to include website redevelopment and
customized client portals
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 10
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Major 2023 Capital Projects: construction of the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre
($40 million total budget), new pickleball and futsal courts at the Pickering Soccer Centre
($902,000), Walnut Lane extension ($2.0 million) and various asphalt resurfacing,
reconstruction and culvert replacement projects ($4.6 million)
Funding for the development of a new Corporate Strategic Plan as well as updates to the
Parks & Recreation, Fire and Library Master Plans
An increase of five positions for front line firefighting staff (Seaton)
Financial Implications: The 2023 Current and Capital Budgets, if adopted as amended, will
result in a property tax levy increase of 7.99 percent (City Share Only) over last year which
translates into a 2.44 percent increase in the City’s share of the total property tax bill.
This increase, when combined with the Region and the School Boards increase, results in an
average increase of 5.31 percent on the total property tax bill.
Discussion: The Recommendations put forth are those necessary to adopt and provide
authority and direction for the 2023 Current and Capital Budgets for the City of Pickering.
Explanation of Key Recommendations
Bill 23 – More Homes Built Faster Act – Recommendation 2 i)
In late 2022, the Province passed Bill 23, the More Homes built Faster Act. The intent of this
legislation is to make housing more affordable and building 1.5 million new homes by 2031.
The legislation introduces phasing of Development Charge rates (fees) and new exemptions
for affordable and attainable housing. The Provincial legislative changes reduce the DC fees
charged to the developer with the cost being transferred to existing homeowners and
businesses. It should be noted that the legislation is silent on the requirement for the developer
to share the lower DC fees with the new home buyer. The result of the DC fee reduction
translates into less dollars being available to fund the DC growth related capital projects. The
firm of Watson & Associates strongly advised the City to start funding its Bill 23 costs this year.
The cost to the City is mainly due to the reduction in DC fees. Therefore, the City has to make-
up the shortfall in fees due to Bill 23 so that the funding is available when the DC capital
project is started.
The City only has a few options as it relates to the funding of the DC fee reduction. One option
that is not recommended, is that the City consider increasing property taxes to fund the DC fee
reduction. If Council adopted this option, the budget levy would have increased from 7.99
percent to 12.59 percent which is not acceptable or palatable. The second option is to reduce
City service levels to generate the property tax savings to fund the DC fee shortfall. An
example of a service level reduction is to change the snow clearing standard from 2 cm to 5
cm. While recognizing that this option would save money (labour, fuel, materials such as sand
and salt), the disadvantage of this option is the increased risk of automobile accidents and
possible injuries (slip and falls) by residents. This option is also not recommended by City staff.
The only remaining option available to the City is to fund the Bill 23 costs from the casino
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 11
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reserve. The estimated DC fee reduction over four years is $14.0 million and this equates to an
average annual cost of $3.5 million. However, this fee cost does not include the DC fee
payment holiday associated with affordable and attainable homes. These costs would have to
be added to the $14.0 million estimated loss . Staff intend to update Council in September
2023, regarding the DC fee costs as of June 30th and the 2023 full year costs through the 2024
budget process. The Province has made statements that they would make the municipality
“whole” for any financial impact related to Bill 23 and therefore, the funding of this cost from the
casino reserve will only proceed if the Province fails to meet its commitment.
Asset Management Investment of $760,000 – Recommendation 2 j)
Every year, the City has been increasing its funding of reserves and reserve funds to ensure
that it has the dollars available or required to purchase the replacement of the critical and core
assets. For 2023, the Draft Budget as submitted to Council includes additional funding of
$200,000 for the roads and bridges reserve fund and a new recommended 1 percent Asset
Management levy of $760,000.
Council Authority to Apply for All Possible Grants (Current & Capital) –
Recommendation 10
There are basically two types of grants: regular and unpredictable grant opportunities. Every
year, City staff apply for numerous operating grants such as “Cultural Tourism Strategy” and
“Community Museum Operating Grant”. These grants help fund, to some degree, the operating
costs related to their respective current budgets. The unpredictability of the grant process
usually applies to capital grants.
Historically, both senior levels of government (Federal & Provincial) announce capital grant
funding opportunities usually through their budget day announcements, and the information
included in the “Budget Background Papers” is usually sparse regarding project criteria and
application timelines. After a budget day announcement, you could be waiting several weeks
and or months before the formal application process is initiated by the senior government level.
Recommendation 10 is seeking Council authority and approval to submit a grant application,
where a senior level of government has announced a grant opportunity with a short term
application deadline or due to a summer recess, thereby making the scheduling of a Council
meeting to seek Council’s endorsement of the project a significant challenge. Included in the
recommendation is the direction that staff report back to Council at the next available Council
meeting regarding the capital and/or current grant(s) that was applied for.
Municipal Accommodation Tax Reserve - Recommendation 22
At the March 27th Council meeting, Council approved Report CAO 06-23 (Resolution #124/23)
that approved in principle the inclusion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax revenues to the
2023 Budget. At this time, $300,000 in revenues is an estimate. There is still additional
administrative work required before the program can be implemented such as Durham Region
Council has to approve the establishment of a Municipal Service Corporation.
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 12
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Priority Focus of Future Term Budgets are Health Safety of Residents & City Staff
through Asset Management Investments – Recommendation 31
Every year there are cost pressures as it pertains to the development of the annual City
budget. These cost pressures have to be measured against the ability to raise property taxes
and affordability. This recommendation, will focus staff’s efforts on developing future years’
budgets on critical City infrastructure investments so that these assets are in a “good state of
repair and or operations” to maintain the safety of our residents and staff. One of the
byproducts of this recommendation will be asking Council to at least consider and approve a
minimum one percent special levy for asset management for the next three years.
Permission to Attend International Conference for Two Staff – Recommendation 33
The Finance Control Policy requires Council approval for all out of country conferences and
this policy applies to all City and Library staff. Dell Canada has invited two Pickering staff from
the Information Technology (IT ) section to attend the 2023 Dell World conference in Las
Vegas. Dell Canada will cover the expenses at the conference and have asked these two IT
staff to speak on an expert panel on cybersecurity and hyper converged infrastructure. In
addition, these two IT staff will also be available to attend the various leading edge technology
training sessions.
Consulting engagement for the possible acquisition or development of a management
agreement regarding the Petticoat Creek Conservation Park – Recommendation 36
Consulting resources are required to undertake a “Business Case” analysis for Petticoat Creek
Conservation Park that would address the following issues: acquisition, appraisal/valuation,
financing strategy that includes consideration of the City’s ARL, financial operating impacts
including asset replacement strategy and/or Management Agreement of Petticoat Creek
Conservation Park. The goal of this project is to report back to Council by Q3 2023.
2023 Current Budget
At the April 13, 2023 Executive (Budget) Committee meeting, Council was presented with a
proposed budget levy increase of 7.99 percent, which was accepted by the Executive
Committee. Based on an average assessment of $612,000, the 7.99 percent increase will
result in an average increase of approximately $164.25 per year or $3.16 per week for the
average single detached dwelling in Pickering. Unlike goods purchased by consumers where
there is a tangible product that is received each time there is a transaction, many City services
provided to residents (such as park or road maintenance) are not paid for as the services are
used or received. For this reason, residents may not be aware of the costs associated with the
vast array of services offered by the City.
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 13
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2023 Budget – Major Assumptions
The major budget assumptions are as presented below:
There are no financial implications associated with COVID for 2023;
The City will continue to operate in the current higher interest rate environment; and,
The City will have to either rent or purchase/renovat e commercial industrial office space
to accommodate additional staffing.
Tax Increase Summary
The 7.99 percent City share tax increase translates into an increase of 2.44 percent on the
total residential tax bill. The 7.99 percent levy increase reflects the unusually high level of
inflation experienced over the past 12 months and the resources required to continue to deliver
the high level of service our residents and businesses expect . Adding the Region’s 2.87
percent tax increase and Pickering’s 2.44 percent and the School Board’s estimated 0 percent
increase, the total increase for the average residential ratepayer will be approximately 5.31
percent on the total property tax bill.
The 2023 draft budget proposes an increase of 7.99 percent on the City Sha re component of
the property tax bill. However, this increase should not be viewed in isolation, instead, it should
be considered in the context of the inflation environment over the last three years. Table One
provides a comparison of the City’s budget levy increases from 2021 to 2023.
Table One
Comparison of Inflation to Budget Levy Increases from (2021 to 2023)
2021
(%)
2022
(%)
2023
(%)
3 Year Period
(%)
Inflation 3.50 6.80 3.60 14.52
Less: City Budget Levy Increases 1.45 1.79 7.99 11.52
Inflation Increase Over Budget Levy 3.00
(The inflation rate presented above is from the Province’s 2023 Budget, page 105).
As the above table indicates, over the last three years, and on an aggregate basis, during a
period of above average inflation increases, the City has been able to provide budgetary levy
changes below the rate of inflation. For the first two years, the City absorbed the impact of
higher inflation. However, there is only a fixed capacity to absorb higher inflationary costs while
maintaining the current level of service. In its simplest terms, over the last three years, the rate
inflation exceeded the City levies on an aggregate basis.
Every May, taxation staff either mail or email approximately 32,000 property tax bills. (To
reduce postage costs, staff always promote e billing). Our experience tells us that, for a large
majority of Pickering residents, they still view the property tax bill as one component and not
three separate entities. As shown below, the overall increase is 5.31 percent o n the total tax
bill, which is around the current inflation rate.
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 14
___________________________________________________________________________
Table Two
Impact of Budget Levy Increases on Residential Property Taxes
City
(% )
Region
(%)
Education
(%)
Total
(%)
Estimated 2023 Levy
Increases
7.99 5.20 0.00
Percentage Allocation 30.57 55.27 14.37
Increases on Total Tax Bill
2.44
2.87
0.00
5.31
The table below provides a summary of the financial impacts of the proposed 2023 budget levy
increase based on various residential property assessment values.
Table Three
Financial Impact of Budget Increase Over 2022
City Share Property Taxes Only
Residential Assessment $100,000 $530,000 $612,000
Increase (Over 2022) $26.84 $142.25 $164.25
Increase on a Monthly Basis $2.24 $11.85 $13.69
Members of Council may recall that the current assessment system is based on a theoretical
market valuation date of January 1, 2016 and therefore, the above assessment values are
representative of that time period.
Use of Casino Reserve
A breakdown of the planned use of the Casino funding for the 2023 budget is presented
below. The expenditure strategy is based on the principle that you collect the funds in year
one and you spend the funds in year two.
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 15
___________________________________________________________________________
Table Four
Use of Casino Reserve
Application of Casino Funds
Current Budget:
Seniors Snow Program $388,700
Cherrywood Development Team 315,760
Capital Facilities Team 189,975 $894,435
General Government
Communities Grants $263,227
City Centre Phase 2 490,000 753,227
Budget Front Page
Elexicon Dividend Shortfall $1,452,744
Bill 23 DC Fee Reduction 3,500,000 4,952,744
Capital Budget 4,533,700
Total 2023 Commitments $11,134,106
The funding of capital projects through the casino reserve results in a reduction of debt
financing that translates into future lower property taxes.
Good News! – There Appears to be No reassessment Planned for 2023
In 1998, the Province of Ontario introduced the new Ontario Fair Assessment System (OFAS).
The purpose of this new assessment system was to eliminate the historical inconsistent
measure of property values across the Province and to enhance the level of fairness and
equity into the assessment and property tax system. The new assessment system uses a
Province-wide valuation date to establish the theoretical value of each property (structure/land)
based on the principle that the value of the property is determined between a willing buyer and
seller from an arm’s length transaction perspective.
Last year (2022) was the fifth year of the Province’s four-year reassessment cycle. The current
value assessment is based on a valuation date of January 1, 2016. Assessment -related
increases are phased-in over four years, and assessment-related decreases are implemented
immediately. The City does not receive any additional revenue as a result of reassessment.
The corresponding property tax rates are adjusted for the increase in reassessment values to
create an overall property tax neutral position on a total property class basis. Inevitably, when
there is an overall change in assessment values, there is shifting of the property tax burden
among property classes, and as well among individual property owners within each property
class.
On the front page, on the bottom left corner, of the Final Residential Property Tax Bill is a
schedule entitled “Explanation of Tax changes from 2022 to 2023”. This schedule includes a
line called Tax change due to Reassessment and this line should be zero for this year.
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 16
___________________________________________________________________________
Historically, the annual Provincial Budget has been the trigger for the announcement of the
next reassessment cycle. The most recent Provincial Budget was silent on the next
reassessment and therefore, it appears that there will not be a reassessment for 2024.
Risk Analysis
At its core, a municipal budget is a projection of inflow and outflows for the year. Due to the
timing of the budget preparation and approval, projections need to be made with less than
complete information. Additionally, these projections need to take into account future events
and circumstances, which are often out of the control of the municipality.
A. Property tax appeals are difficult to budget accurately as it is impossible to predict which
taxpayers will appeal assessments and the eventual outcome of these appeals. Large
dollar swings are not unusual in these matters and with the extended delay in provincial
property tax reassessments, there is a higher degree of risk to multi-year tax appeals. The
City currently has approximately $1.6 billion in outstanding appeals. Last year, in the 2022
budget, the City adopted a precautionary strategy and budgeted $255,000 to the
assessment reserve to offset any potential losses associated with assessment appeals.
This same amount is budgeted in 2023.
B. Fuel related costs have been extremely volatile o ver the last few years and especially
during COVID. While average fuel increases decreased slightly during COVID years, they
have increased again for the 2023 budget. There remains a risk that the prices could
continue to increase as the economy continues to recover from the pandemic. For the
2022 budget, the fuel budget was increased by $250,000 and the 2023 budget includes an
additional increase of $138,500. Over the last two years, fuel costs have increased by a
total of $388,500.
C. General inflationary pressures continue to increase as the economy continues to improve.
Consumer prices in Canada have risen at their fastest rate in 40 years with an inflation rate
reaching 6.8 percent on an annual basis for 2022, its highest level since 1982.
2023 Challenges and Opportunities
Entering a Perfect Storm
The development of this year’s budget was challenging. The complicating factor was Provincial
government legislation and more specifically: Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 and
Bill 109, More Homes Faster Act, 2022. The City had to plan, accommodate and try to
calculate the financial impacts of Bill 23. For Bill 23, there is a budget provision of $3.5 million
in the 2023 Budget to fund an estimated DC fee reduction from the casino reserve. As
referenced in the Treasurer’s presentation, the actual Bill 23 cost will be known on the last
working day of the year and Council will be provided an update of the actual cost. Staff intend
to update Council on the first six months cost of Bill 23 in late summer or early fall. Included in
the 2023 budget, are substantial investments in new positions (13) to accommodate the
challenging legislative timetable that is imposed by Bill 109.
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 17
___________________________________________________________________________
Not by design, but it appears, that the City is potentially entering the perfe ct financial storm.
The City has to invest in the renewal of its existing capital infrastructure. The Chestnut Hill
Developments Recreation Complex is over 36 years old and is in need of significant
investments. The George Ashe Library & Community Centre i s over 20 years old and requires
a major substantial investment relatively soon. Therefore, these major costs and others (such
as the City’s roads infrastructure) have to be funded either by property taxes, upper
government grants or, to a lesser degree, possible user fees. While trying to address
infrastructure renewal financing challenges, the City is now facing the significant and/or major
costs associated with growth due to Seaton operating under the new DC legislation regime
that does not subscribe to the theory that “Growth Shall Pay for Growth ”.
Included in this year’s budget are two corporate priorities that, perhaps, require additional
explanations. One is the creation of a dedicated Cherrywood Development Team. The budget
to fund this team is currently based on preliminary information from the developer concerning
its proposed application. It represents staff’s best professional guesstimate on the staffing and
resources required to meet the current known timetable and of course will probably change a
few more times. Recommendation 41 will provide the CAO with the flexibility to apply the
appropriate mix of resources to address or meet project timelines. However, staff have a
responsibility to properly plan for this major cost and to identify the current estimated financial
risks and corresponding deficit to Council. It is clear, the current City fees will not cover its
estimated cost. To fill the financial hole, the casino reserve will lend funds to the Cherrywood
reserve. Any shortfall in revenues collected from the Cherrywood Landowners Group (CLG)
will be funded by the Cherrywood reserve. The purpose of this separate cost centre is to track
and capture all costs associated with this activity for the specific purpose of trying to recover
from the Cherrywood Landowner Group (CLG) a 100 percent of the costs. The cost recovery
equation is very simple as it relates to who pays – it is either the CLG or the Pickering
taxpayer. Staff’s efforts will be to negotiate an agreement where CLG covers 100 percent of
these costs.
Second is the creation of a New Capital Facilities Team. The City’s overall Capital Budget work
program is substantial when considering the draft 2023 Capital Budget, the 2024-2027 capital
forecast and the backlog of previously approved capital projects. To deliver these critical
projects, there is a need to hire additional staff dedicated primarily to the delivery of new
capital facilities. The City’s existing staff compliment will be focused primarily on the municipal
infrastructural renewal projects. For this reason, the 2023 Current Budget, under the corporate
priorities section, includes a new cost centre entitled “New Capital Facilities Team” to provide
the “staffing muscle” to get things done. Delayed or deferred capital projects cost the City more
and frustrate our residents who expect the City to deliver on the level of service laid out in
council approved capital programs and master plans. The “Ask” of Council is to fund three new
positions and related personnel costs. With the additional staff resources, critical capital
facilities projects would move from the budget stage to the implementation/construction stage
so that Pickering residents can benefit and enjoy these important projects. This cost centre is
funded 100 percent from the casino reserve.
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 18
___________________________________________________________________________
The Need for Additional Office Space
During the last few months, key staff from Human Resources and Operations staff have
conducted a review of the available office space measured against the current and future
needs of the Corporation. The conclusion reached is that, when you consider the following
municipal locations such as City Hall, Operations Centre, Chestnut Hill Developments
Recreation Complex and leased office space at 1101 Kingston Road, these office spaces
exceed their capacity with staff growth related to the 2023 and future years’ budgets. To
address this issue, the City has successfully implemented a hybrid “work from home” program
in recent years.
The current City Hall office space statistics are presented below:
Number of workstations 185
Current staffing level 210
Number of staff after budget approval 250
The above analysis supports the conclusion that there is an interim need for additional office
space to accommodate the growth for the next 5-8 years, until new municipal facilities are built
in Pickering.
As such, the 2023 budget includes additional funding for office space accommodations. In the
front page of the General Government expenditure section, there is approximately $280,000
budgeted for additional lease costs (estimated 6 months). The draft 2023 Capital Budget
includes the following: $1.1 million for leasehold improvements (page 31) and $720,000 (page
29) for furniture and equipment. The $1.1 million and $720,000 represents budget provisions,
and depending upon the location and lease terms, the entire amount may not be required.
Members of Council should be aware that the lease period being considered is for a period
that maybe up to ten years. In any long term lease proposal, there may be an opportunity, to
consider another path whereby the City would purchase and renovate space and at the end of
the lease period, the City would then have an asset to sell. However, in any purchase or lease
decision, other factors have to be considered such as public tran sportation, proximity to City
Hall and availability of parking for staff and visitors.
The costs reflected in the 2023 Budget are budget provisions that enable City staff to
investigate options for expanded office space in 2023 and present a recommended ap proach
to Council for consideration and approval, at the appropriate time. Accordingly, these budget
provisions will not be incurred without prior Council approval.
Asset Management
Maintaining public infrastructure in a state of good repair is a significant responsibility and cost
for municipalities. Critical investments in our assets at the right time help extend the life of the
assets and lower the overall cost of ownership while ensuring that the assets remain current
and safe for public use. These assets are used to provide residents, businesses, employees
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 19
___________________________________________________________________________
and visitors access to services including transportation, recreation, culture and economic
development and have a direct link on the quality of life for Pickering residents.
Every year, the City has been increasing its funding of reserves and reserve funds to ensure
that it has the dollars available or required to purchase the replacement of the critical and core
assets and avoid using debt. For 2023, the Draft Budget (as submitted to Council) includes a
minimum increase in funding for infrastructure replacement as the increase is allocated to the
roads and bridges reserve fund in the amount of $200,000. However, senior staff are strongly
recommending that Council approve a 1 percent special levy for asset management as
reflected in the proposed 2023 Draft Budget. If Council approves this increase, one -third of the
funding would be allocated to the following reserve or reserve funds: roads and bridges ;
facilities; and, parks infrastructure replacement reserve. If Council approves the one percent
levy increase, these dollars would be applied to the 2024 Capital Budget.
The most cost effective funding source as it relates to infrastructure funding is to use
reserves/property taxes and to avoid or reduce debt financing. This approach avoids the added
cost of interest payments that are currently above average.
Elexicon Revenues 2023
Elexicon revenues consists of two components: interest income from promissory notes and
dividends. The City holds $25.069 million of Elexicon promissory notes that earn 4.13 percent.
The 2023 budgeted interest income for these promissory notes is $1,035,350.
The City owns 27.88 percent of Elexicon. In 2021, the City received $3,172,744 in dividends
from Elexicon. In 2022, this amount was reduced by $546,587 and staff received notification
from Elexicon that for 2023, this amount should be reduced by an additional $906,157. The
budgeted dividend revenue for 2023 is $1.72 million. The Elexicon dividend projection
information was provided by Elexicon staff.
2023 Tax Rates
In the April 24th agenda, Report FIN 11-23 is asking Council to approve the 2023 City property
tax rates. If Council approves the 2023 budget with no changes to the property tax levy, then
this report can be considered for Council approval. Any changes to the property tax funded
component of the 2023 budget, would require the report to be revised and re -submitted at the
earliest possible date.
2023 Capital Budget
This year the draft Capital Budget is $58.8 million. Major capital projects in 2023 include the
construction of the new Pickering Heritage & Community Centre ($40 million total budget), new
pickleball and futsal courts at the Pickering Soccer Centre ($902,000), Walnut Lane extension
($2 million) and various asphalt resurfacing, reconstruction and culvert replacement projects
($4.6 million).
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 20
___________________________________________________________________________
Debt Capacity and Annual Repayment Limit (ARL)
Managing the debt capacity or dollar borrowing amount is important to the City due to the
financial limitations imposed by the Province through the Annual Repayment Limit or (ARL).
The Municipal Act regulation permits a maximum of 25 percent of net operating revenues to be
used to fund principal and interest charges for debt . A municipality can only exceed the 25
percent limit through prior approval from the Ontario Land Tribunal.
For Pickering, the net operating revenues consists of the following major items:
property tax revenue
user fees & charges
fines, penalties & interest on taxes
license fees, permit fees & rents
gaming & casino revenues
As stated above, every year the budget levy increases, the City’s annual repayment limit
increases that in-turn results in a higher debt borrowing capacity or dollar amount . The City’s
annual repayment limit for 2023, based on the prescribed calculation and using the City’s 2021
Financial Information Return (FIR) was $20.9 million. The proposed 2023 budgeted annual
debt payments (interest and principal) is $5.5 million and therefore, the City had $15.4 million
in unused debt payment capacity before hitting the 25 percent wall.
Since last October, there have been several factors that may have a negative impact on the
City’s debt capacity which are: inflation, interest rates, and supply chain challenges. It’s no
secret that the day-to-day living expenses have increased over the last year. Ontario inflation
is running at 5.9 percent and these higher costs will probably be reflected in higher future
capital project costs for the City. The City’s ARL is not directly linked to inflation. If future
year’s debt financed capital projects have higher costs, the City has basically three options: it
can accept a higher ARL percentage or it has to defer or reduce the size of debt financed
capital projects.
Please find below a historical comparison of the City’s annual debt cost (that includes principal
and interest) in relation to the ARL. The source of the data was the annual FIR, Schedule 81
for each respective year. The 2022 financial information is currently not available due to the
fact the City is still processing its 2022 closing adjustments. As the chart below indicates, the
City has been operating slightly below or around the 5 percent level of its debt limit and or debt
capacity.
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 21
___________________________________________________________________________
Chart One
City’s Debt Capacity Measured Against the ARL Limit
Debt Payments and Debt Financing of Capital Projects
The 2023 Current Budget includes $4.15 million of taxpayer funded debt charges (interest and
principal). The taxpayer funded debt charges represent 5.0 percent of the 2023 property taxes
levied. In other words, for every dollar collected 5 cents is applied to debt charges.
A high level summary of the City’s debt is presented below:
Debt Summary Millions ($)
2022 Debt
External Debt Commitments $40.10
External DC Debt 22.40
Total 2022 Commitments $62.50
Add: 2023 Debt Commitments
External Debt $3.76
New Internal Loans 0.85
Total Debt Commitments $67.11
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 22
___________________________________________________________________________
The 2023 debt financed Capital Projects, are listed below.
External Debt and Internal Financing of Capital Projects
City of Pickering
5, 10 and 15 Year Debt Financing
2023 Capital Budget
Capital Project Code Debt - 5 Years ($) Description
10700.2303 $500,000 Fire Services Portable Radio
Replacement
10700.2306 350,000 Fire Services Dispatch CAD
Replacement
Total Five-Year Debt $850,000
Capital Project Code DC Debt - 5 Years ($) Description
10305.2305 $175,000 Sidewalk Plow - New
10315.2303 420,000 4-Ton dump Truck with Plow -
New
10315.2306 110,000 1-Ton dump Truck
10315.2311 420,000 4-Ton dump Truck with Plow -
New
10315.2312 110,000 1-Ton dump Truck
Total Five-Year DC Debt $1,235,000
Capital Project Code Debt - 10 Years ($) Description
10700.2305 $526,700 Seaton Fire Station B Land
Purchase
Total Ten-Year Debt $526,700
Capital Project Code Debt - 15 Years ($) Description
10700.2307 $2,000,000 Fire Pumper Rescue
Replacement
Total Fifteen-Year Debt $2,000,000
Total Debt Financed
Projects
$4,611,700
Borrowing or debt financing should not be viewed as a negative. The proper use of debt is an
essential component of prudent fiscal strategy. The use of debt promotes intergenerational
equity. By borrowing, Pickering can distribute the cost of the asset over the lifetime of the
asset.
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 23
___________________________________________________________________________
Preliminary Draft 2024 Budget Position
The preliminary draft 2024 budget position is presented below.
2024 Preliminary Estimated Draft 2024 Budget
Expenditures: % %
Personnel Costs 1.90
Annualization of New Positions 2.10
Debt Payments 1.20
Other 0.30
Leasing Costs 0.20 5.70
Revenues:
User Fees -0.20
Assessment Growth -2.10
Other -0.50 -2.80
Sub Total 2.90
Add:
Asset Management 1.00
Preliminary Total Estimate 3.90
The total estimate represents the “floor” as a possible increase . It does not reflect any service
level changes that my result in a higher or lower percentage increase. In addition, there is no
funding provision included above for any legislated changes that would result in higher
operating costs. The above assumptions such as assessment growth are preliminary forecasts
and are dependent upon outside factors such as MPAC adding new growth to the property tax
base. It should be noted, that this preliminary draft position does not include above average
inflationary cost pressures.
Attachments:
1. By-law to Amend By-law 6191/03 to Confirm General Municipal Fees
2. Budget Presentation, April 13, 2023
3. Council Compensation Policy ADM 190
Report FIN 09-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: 2023 Current & Capital Budget Page 24
___________________________________________________________________________
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By: Original Signed By:
James Halsall Stan Karwowski
Division Head, Finance Director, Finance & Treasurer
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By:
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment #1 to FIN 09-23
The Corporation of the City of Pickering
By-law No. XXXX/23
Being a by-law to amend By-law No. 6191/03
to confirm General Municipal Fees
Whereas the Council of the Corporation of the City of Pickering enacted By-law 6191/03,
as amended, on October 14, 2003 to confirm general municipal fees.
Whereas Schedule “I” to By-law 6191/03 was updated and replaced under By-law,
6338/04, By-law 6519/05, By-law 6652/06, By-law 6677/06, By-law 6748/07 By-law
6857/08, By-law 6951/09, By-law 7032/10, By-law 7119/11, By-law 7194/12, By-law
7268/13, By-law 7339/14, By-law 7411/15, By-law 7478/16, By-law 7542/17, By-law
7605/18; By-law 7679/19; By-law 7740-20 and 7823/21; 7918/22 and 7983/23;
Now therefore the Council of the Corporation of the City of Pickering hereby enacts as
follows:
1. Schedule “I” to By-law Number 6191/03, as amended, is hereby amended to reduce
the Basic Tennis (Resident) Family Annual Membership fee from $1,385 (plus HST)
to $1,149 (plus HST).
By-law passed this 24th day of April 24, 2023.
__________________________________
Kevin Ashe, Mayor
__________________________________
Susan Cassel, City Clerk
pickering.ca
Executive (Budget) Committee
April 13, 2023
City of
Pickering
2023
Draft
Current &
Capital
Budgets
Attachment #1 to FIN 09-23Attachment #2 to FIN 09-23
pickering.ca
Introduction
Page 2
Budget Presentation
Herd of Elephants (In the Room)
Financial Snapshot
Casino Reserve
Budget Impact on Taxpayers
Debt (Annual Repayment Limit)
2024 Budget Timetable & Forecast
Capital Budget
Budget Report and Housekeeping Items
Measuring Pickering’s Social Conscience
pickering.ca
Herd of Elephants in the Room
Page 3
Bill 23 Staffing
Requests
56
Infrastructure
Old & New
Funding
pickering.ca
How
Do You
Fund
Bill 23
Costs?
Page 4
Raise
Taxes
Reduce
Service
Levels Borrow
Use
Reserves
The 2023 Budget includes $3.5 million to
help fund Bill 23 costs.
pickering.ca
Infrastructure Investments & Funding
Challenges
Page 5
Old Facilities:
Don Beer Arena (53 years)
Rec Complex (40 years)
George Ashe Library
Community Centre (22 years)
New Facilities ($ Millions)
Animal Shelter ($9.8)
PHCC ($40.0)
City Centre: ($142.0)
(Park, Library, Seniors &
Youth)
Seaton Rec Complex ($180.0)
pickering.ca
Capital Facilities Team
Page 6
2023 Staffing “Ask”
(2) Project Managers
(1) Project Coordinator
$189,875 cost for 2023
funded from the casino
reserve
Why?
•Roughly 140 capital projects outstanding as of January 1,
2023.
Large Projects (Current & Proposed)
•Animal Shelter
•PHCC
•City Centre (Phase 1 & 2)
•Seaton Recreation Complex & Library
•New northern satellite operations centre
pickering.ca
New Staffing Requests
Page 7
Office of the CAO 2.0
Economic Development 1.0
City Development 14.0
Community Services 3.0
Operations 6.0
Corporate Services 5.5
Engineering Services 4.0
Finance (Net)3.0
Fire Services 5.0
Human Resources 1.0
Sub Total 44.5
Add: New Initiatives
Cherrywood Development 9.0
New Capital Facilities Team 3.0
Total 56.5
pickering.ca
Office Space Pressures
Page 8
Funding
Source
Rent - 6 Months
(Gen. Gov.)280,000$ Property Taxes
Leasehold
Improvements
(Capital)1,100,000 Casino Reserve
Furniture & Fixtures
(Capital)720,000
Rate Stabilization
Reserve
Total 2,100,000$
Funding Strategy
Options:
•Multi year lease
•Purchase/renovation & future sale
Other Factors:
•Public transportation
•Proximity to City Hall
•Parking for staff
City Hall Statistics
•Number of workstations 185
•Number of current staff 210
•Number of staff (after budget) 250
pickering.ca
2023
Budget
Snapshot
Page 9
2023
2022 Increase Draft
Budget (Decrease)Budget
1 City Revenues ($49,439,818)($2,541,586)($51,981,404)-3.34%
2 Casino Gaming Revenues (8,000,000)(8,000,000)(16,000,000)-10.51%
3 Supplementary Tax Revenues (500,000)0 (500,000)0.00%
4 2023 Assessment Growth 0 (1,911,000)(1,911,000)-2.51%
5 Sub Total Lines (1 to 4)($57,939,818)($12,452,586)($70,392,404)-16.37%
6 City Expenditures $129,029,857 $9,050,123 138,079,980 11.89%
7 Transfer to Casino Reserve 8,000,000 8,000,000 16,000,000 10.51%
8 Capital From Current 639,000 29,000 668,000 0.04%
9 Sub Total (Lines 6 to 8)$137,668,857 $17,079,123 $154,747,980 22.45%
10 Net City (Lines 5 Minus 9)$79,729,039 4,626,537 $84,355,576 6.08%
11 Covid-19 Recovery Fund ($1,598,618)$1,598,618 2.10%
12 Rate Stabilization Reserve (1,500,000)(1,500,000)0.00%
Funding of Major Cost Pressure From Casino Reserve
13 Elexicon Dividend Decrease (546,587)(906,157)(1,452,744)-1.19%
14 Sub Total (Lines 11 to 14)(3,645,205)692,461 (2,952,744)0.91%
15 Base Budget (L10 Plus 14)$76,083,834 $5,318,998.28 $81,402,832 6.99%
Add: Financial Impact of Provincial Legislation
16 Bill 23 - DC Funding Shortfall 3,500,000 3,500,000 4.60%
17 Sub Total $8,818,998 $84,902,832 11.59%
18 Asset Management Investment 760,000 760,000 1.00%
19 Sub Total $9,578,998 $85,662,832 12.59%
20 Funding of Bill 23 Cost by Casino Reserve (3,500,000)(3,500,000)-4.60%
21 Recommended Budget $6,078,998 $82,162,832 7.99%
2023 Property Tax Increase 2.44%
pickering.ca
Explanation of Major Revenue Changes
Page 10
Department User Fees 2.34%
Planning Fees 1.64%
Licenses & Permits 1.35%
Investment Income 0.65%
Fines & Charges 0.42%
Municipal Accommodation Tax Revenues 0.39%
Federal & Provincial Grants (3.01%)
Other Changes (0.44%)
2023 Proposed Budgetary Revenue Increase 3.34%
pickering.ca
Return of
Program
Revenues
Page 11
$-
$200,000
$400,000
$600,000
$800,000
$1,000,000
$1,200,000
$1,400,000
$1,600,000
$1,800,000
Pre-COVID 2018-19 COVID 2020-21
2022 YTD Actuals
Draft 2023 Budget
Ice Rentals
Don Beer Arena Rec Complex Arenas
pickering.ca
Page 12
Breakdown of 11.89% Budgetary Expenditures Increase
Personnel Expenditures:
Salaries 2.32%
Employee Benefits 0.33%
New Positions 4.32%
Contract Staff 0.72%
Resumption of Pre-COVID programming levels 0.51% 8.20%
Building Maintenance 0.67%
Equipment 0.62%
Consulting & Professional Fees 0.49%
Other Changes 1.91%
2023 Proposed Budgetary Expenditure Increase 11.89%
Breakdown of 11.89% Budgetary Expenditures
Increase
pickering.ca
Building Maintenance Costs
Page 13
$200,000
$700,000
$1,200,000
$1,700,000
$2,200,000
$2,700,000
$3,200,000
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
pickering.ca
Fuel Costs
Page 14
Budget has increased by $389,000 since 2021.
pickering.ca
Asset Management Investment
Page 15
1% Ask = $760,000
1/3 Roads & Bridges
1/3 Buildings & Facilities
1/3 Playground
Estimated
Useful Current
Life Contribution
Roads & Bridges 28.4%$2,000,000
Buildings & Facilities 17.1%$515,000
Parks 16.1%$230,000
pickering.ca
Breakdown of Casino Reserve Use
Page 16
Current Budget:
Seniors Snow Program 388,700$
Cherrywood Development Team 315,760
Capital Facilities Team 189,975 894,435$
General Government
Communities Grants 263,227$
City Centre Phase 2 490,000 753,227
Budget Front Page
Elexicon Dividend Shortfall 1,452,744$
Bill 23 DC Fee Reduction 3,500,000 4,952,744
Capital Budget 4,533,700
Total 2023 Commitments 11,134,106$
$6.1 million –Uncommitted Balance
pickering.ca
Page 17
Major Capital Projects Funded By Casino Reserve
2023
Draft
Budget
Leasehold Improvements 1,100,000
Bay Ridges Kinsmen Park Soccer Artificial Turf Replacement 770,000
Beverley Morgan Park Track Replacement 770,000
Accessible Pedestrian Signals - 4 locations 400,000
George Ashe Community Centre Renovation Consulting 330,000
Council Chamber Renovation Consulting 250,000
Security Camera Program (Various Locations)161,500
Fire Station#6 Kitchen Retrofit 100,000
Rec Complex - Condenser Pad and Tank Replacement 88,000
pickering.ca
2023 Key Current Budget Highlights
Page 18
Increase in seniors’ property tax grant from $525 to $535.
50% Program Expansion for Senior Snow Removal Program (500 to 750 spots).
Enhanced Santa Claus Parade & Millennium Square Events
Increase in Seaton Fire Hall staffing -5 additional firefighters.
City has now reached a full staffing complement for the new fire hall.
Establish an Office of Housing Affordability.
Continuation of City Centre Vision –Phase Two.
.
21
pickering.ca
Page 19
Another Viewpoint –Pickering’s Draft Budgetary Increase
Three
Year
2021 2022 2023 Period
Inflation*3.50%6.80%3.60%14.52%
City Budget Levy Increases 1.45%1.79%7.99%11.52%
Inflation Increase Over Budget Levy 3.00%
* The above inflation rate figures are from the 2023-24 Provincial Budget (Page 105).
pickering.ca
How is the Residential Tax Bill Allocated?
Pickering 30.57%
Durham Region 55.27%
School Boards 14.37%
Residential Tax Bill Pickering Share
Page 20
pickering.ca
Budget Levy Impact on Total
Residential Property Taxes
Page 21
City
Share
Proposed 2023 Levy Inc.7.99%
Percentage of Allocation 30.57%
Increase on Total Residential Tax Bill 2.44%
pickering.ca
City & Region Levy Impact on Total
Residential Property Taxes
Page 22
School
Board City Region Total
Tax Pie Percentage 14.17%30.57%55.27%100.0%
2023 Levy Inc.7.99%5.20%
Increase on the Tax bill `2.44%2.87%5.31%
2023 Total Residential Property Tax Impact
pickering.ca
Budget Levy Impact on Pickering Share
Residential Property Taxes
Page 23
The residential assessment value is based on a market
valuation date of January 1, 2016.
Residential Assessment 100,000$ 530,000$ 612,000$
Increase over Last Year 26.38$ 139.81$ 161.44$
Increase on a Monthly Basis 2.20$ 11.65$ 13.45$
Financial Impact of Budget Levy Increase
pickering.ca
Current Market Value vs. Property Taxes Assessment Value
Page 24
Current
Market
Value
What is my home
worth today?
>MPAC
Assessment
Value
January 1, 2016
MPAC Assessment value is
based on the value of the price
that your property might
reasonably have sold for in its
current state and condition on
January 1, 2016 between a
willing buyer and seller.
pickering.ca
Impact of Delayed Reassessment on
Residential Property Taxes
Page 25
For 2023, the reassessment is being
delayed to post 2024? Therefore,
there should be no financial impact due to
reassessment.
The highlighted line should be ZERO for
2023.
pickering.ca
Property
Tax
Allocation
by Major
Property
Tax Class
Page 26
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
Residential Commercial Industrial
City School Board Region
pickering.ca
What is the Budget Levy Increase for the Commercial
Taxpayer?
Page 27
School
Board
(Prov.)City Region Total
Tax Pie Percentage 39.03%21.60%39.37%100.0%
2023 Levy Inc.7.99%5.20%
Increase on the Tax bill `1.73%2.050%3.78%
2023 Total Commercial Property Tax Impact
pickering.ca
What is the Budget Levy Increase for the Industrial
Taxpayer?
Page 28
School
Board
(Prov.)City Region Total
Tax Pie Percentage 31.44%24.29%44.27%100.0%
2023 Levy Inc.7.99%5.20%
Increase on the Tax bill `1.94%2.30%4.24%
2023 Total Industrial Property Tax Impact
pickering.ca
Summary of Budget Levy Increase by Major Tax Class
Page 29
School
Board
(Prov.)City Region Total
Residential 0.00%2.44%2.87%5.31%
Commercial 0.00%1.73%2.05%3.78%
Industrial 0.00%1.94%2.30%4.24%
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Page 30
Average Daily Cost of Municipal Services:6.08$
24.1%
Fire Services
1.47$ 20.1%
Road &
Water
Network
1.22$ 7.6%
Library
0.46$ 7.8%
Parks &
Property
0.47$
4.9%
Debt
Servicing
Costs
0.30$ 5.7%
Community
&
Recreation
Centres
0.35$ 6.2%
Corporate
Services
0.38$ 5%
Culture &
Recreation -
Other
0.30$
1.2%
City
Development
0.07$ 1.6%
Mayor,
Council &
Council
Support
0.10$ 1.2%
Streetlights
0.07$ 0.9%
Recreation
Programs
0.05$
0.7%
Animal
Services
0.04$ 0.6%
Customer
Care
0.04$ 1.1%
Museum
0.07$ 0.5%
Crossing
Guards
0.03$
0.9%
Arenas
0.05$ 0.4%
Community
Grants
0.02$ 0.3%
By-law
Services
0.02$ 9.2%
All Other
Areas
0.57$
* Calculated based on the average assesed value of $612,000 for a residential property.
pickering.ca
Pickering’s Debt Picture
Page 31
Original
Borrowed
Amount ($)
Outstanding
Principal
Balance
A Total "Issued" Debt Commitments-Dec 31, 2022 $ 58,135,694 $44,288,955
Add:
B Debt Funded Projects from Prior Year's Budgets 18,205,000
C 2023 Debt Funded Projects 4,611,700
D Estimated City Debt Commitments -Dec 31, 2023 $67,105,655
pickering.ca
Major Debt Financed Capital Projects
Page 32
Project
Year
Borrowed Term Borrowed Amount
Outstanding Principal
Dec 31, 2022
New Operations Centre 2017 20 9,907,000 7,912,000
Construction of a New Fire Station and Headquarters on Zent Drive 2021 20 8,978,000 8,619,000
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex - Lobby & Core Area
Renovations – Construction 2021 20 5,600,000 5,387,000
Purchase of Land for the Construction of 401 Overpass 2022 20 4,373,000 4,373,000
Indoor Soccer Facility 2014 15 3,734,000 1,954,000
32,592,000 28,245,000
pickering.ca
ARL
Annual Repayment Limit (ARL), O. Reg 403/02:
•This limit represents the maximum amount that a municipality can commit to payments
relating to debt or financial obligation
•ARL = 25 % x Net Own Source Revenues
The ARL limit is capped at 25% of own source revenues
Own Source Revenues includes property taxes, user fees, investment income and casino
revenues.
The ARL should be viewed as your Provincial Credit Card Debt Limit
The debt limit includes: DC Debt, Third Party Debt (Pickering Soccer Club for the Dome) and
taxpayer debt.
Page 33
pickering.ca
Annual Repayment Limit
0.00%
2.50%
5.00%
7.50%
10.00%
12.50%
15.00%
17.50%
20.00%
22.50%
25.00%
27.50%
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
ARL City %Projection City Target
Page 34
pickering.ca
Comparing our Current Level of Debt with our
Durham Lakeshore Neighbours
$-
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
Ajax Clarington Whitby Pickering Oshawa Oakville
2020 Total Debt Outstanding per Capita
Page 35
pickering.ca
Page 36
Preliminary Draft Budget 2024 Timetable
January -KPMG consulting work for City Centre Phase 2
completed by the end of January or sooner
February -Report to Council regarding City Centre Phase 2
and possible future consideration for other phases
March –Council approves 2024 Budget
pickering.ca
Page 37
Preliminary Projection Draft Budget 2024
Expenditures:
Personnel Costs 1.90%
Annualization of New Positions 2.10%
Debt Payments 1.20%
Other 0.30%
Leasing Costs 0.20%5.70%
Revenues:
User Fees -0.20%
Assessment Growth -2.10%
Other -0.50%-2.80%
Sub Total 2.90%
Add:
Asset Management 1.00%
Preliminary Total Estimate 3.90%
pickering.ca
Page 38
Strategies to Reduce 2024 Levy Increase
•Increase non-residential (property tax) growth.
•Continue to apply for all senior level government grants.
•Where applicable, ensure that all user fees are based on a full cost
recovery basis (current & capital).
•Where applicable, invest in technology to increase efficiency.
•Avoid, if possible, the adding of new debt during the current high
interest rate period.
pickering.ca
Assessment Growth
$-
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Page 39
$1,911,000
pickering.ca
Non-Residential Assessment as a % of the
Total Property Assessment Base
Residential $1.00 = Commercial $1.45
Residential $1.00 = Industrial $2.26
Page 40
pickering.ca
Property Taxes –Innovation Corridor
Economic Development from a Property Tax Lens
Property taxes prior to development
Farm Tax Class
Total Property Taxes per Acre = $34.65
Property taxes after development
Commercial Tax Class
Total Property Taxes per Acre = $23,947
Recent development in this area resulted in total property taxes
increasing from $1,724 to $1,181,330.
Pickering share of property taxes increased from $506 to $255,172.
Page 41
pickering.ca
2023 Key Capital Budget Highlights
•Construction of the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre ($40 million).
•New Pickleball & Futsal (6) Courts in Pickering Soccer Centre ($902,000).
•Beverly Morgan Park Track Replacement ($720,000).
•Walnut Lane Extension ($2 million).
•Asphalt Resurfacing, Road Reconstruction and Culvert Replacements ($4.6 million).
•Dunmoore Park Tennis Courts Reconstruction ($550,000).
Page 42
pickering.ca
2023 Capital Budget by Financing Source
Page 43
pickering.ca
Debt
Reduction
Strategy
for 2023
Page 44
$0
$10,000,000
$20,000,000
$30,000,000
$40,000,000
$50,000,000
$60,000,000
$70,000,000
2021 2022 2023
DC RF
FGT
Res & RF
Rate Stabilizatin Res.
Property Taxes
Casino Reserve
Debt
Government Grants
pickering.ca
2023 Budget Report (Housekeeping)
Recommendations will include the following:
1.Council to confirm that the budget was developed using the cash basis of
accounting as per Ontario Regulation 284/09.
2.Any committee decisions to be re-allocated to their proper cost centre for
accounting and expenditure control purposes including the March 27th
Council decisions.
3.Grant housekeeping recommendations –change application deadline to
(Friday) October 27th.
4.Increase seniors grant amount from $525 to $535.
Page 45
pickering.ca
.
Measuring Pickering’s Social Conscience
Page 46
pickering.ca
Low Income Seniors/Persons With Disabilities
Property Tax Grant
Recommending that the 2023 grant amount is increased to $535.00.
Program participation increased by 51.7% over the last five years.
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Grant Amount 200.00$ 300.00$ 330.00$ 375.00$ 450.00$ 525.00$
Number of Participants
Seniors 143 185 202 249 232 240
Individuals with Diabilities 2 6 10 9 13 14
145 191 212 258 245 254
Page 47
pickering.ca
.
Social Conscience –A Financial Measure
Pickering’s financial “giving” is equivalent to 1.21% levy
(Revised) Page 48
pickering.ca
Page 49
Attachment #3 to FIN 09-23
Policy
Policy Title: Council Compensation Policy Policy Number
ADM 190
Reference
Resolution #73/05
Resolution #12/07
Resolution #214/07
Resolution #54/11
Resolution #152/11
Resolution #48/15
Resolution #299/17
Resolution #48/19
Resolution #240/20
Resolution #546/21
Date Originated (m/d/y)
May 2, 2005
Date Revised (m/d/y)
January 15, 2007
November 19, 2007
March 21, 2011
September 19, 2011
May 19, 2015
May 15, 2017
March 25, 2019
February 24, 2020
March 22, 2021
Pages
14
Approval: Chief Administrative Officer
Point of Contact
Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor
Director, Finance & Treasurer
Policy Objective
The objective of this Policy is to:
1. Provide consistent rules and guidelines for the Mayor and Members of Council with
respect to salary, expenses and communications of elected officials; and,
2. Provide guidelines to staff to ensure all expenses are submitted and approved in
accordance with the established parameters of the Policy.
Index
01 Definitions
02 Principles
03 Responsibilities
04 General
05 Accounting Procedures
06 Salary
Policy Title: Council Compensation Policy Page 2 of 15
Policy Number: ADM 190
07 Benefits
08 Vehicle Allowance
09 Professional and Business Development
10 Councillors Stationary and Office Supply Budget
11 Meals, Receptions, Promotions & Special/Community Events
12 Communications
13 Constituent Communications
14 Websites
15 In an Election Year
01 Definitions
01.01 Allowable or Eligible Expense - shall mean an expense that is provided
for in this Policy.
01.02 Cooperative Letter - shall mean a letter or other printed document that
contains information of interest to residents in more than one ward and
which shall be mailed or distributed beyond a ward boundary.
01.03 Councillor - shall mean all Members of Council, excluding the Mayor.
01.04 Ineligible Expense - shall mean an expense that is not provided for in this
Policy.
01.05 Members of Council - shall include the Mayor and all Members of Council.
01.06 Neighbourhood Letter - shall mean a document that is prepared on
letterhead and/or signed by a Member of Council and sent to a defined
neighbourhood or community of interest within the constituency of a
Member of Council.
01.07 Newsletter - shall mean a document that is printed on both sides and shall
contain information of interest to the constituents of a Member of Council.
01.08 Social Media – shall mean any social media platform used by a Member of
Council to communicate or share information with constituents.
01.09 Telecommunications Equipment - shall include all equipment capable of
transmitting over landlines and/or wireless modes.
01.10 Website - shall mean a site on the World Wide Web that contains
information of interest to the constituents of a Member of Council.
Policy Title: Council Compensation Policy Page 3 of 15
Policy Number: ADM 190
02 Principles
When interpreting this Policy, the following principles should be kept in mind:
02.01 Autonomy of Council - City Council, as the decision-making body of the
City, is separate and distinct from City administration.
02.02 Integrity of Council - The integrity of City Council as a whole and the
Office of the Members of Council must be protected. The interest of City
Council as a whole takes precedence over the personal interests of
individual Members of Council.
02.03 Accountability - Since Members of Council use public funds when they
perform their duties, the public expects public funds to be used prudently.
Members of Council are the stewards of City resources and are ultimately
accountable to the public and their constituents for the type and level of
expenses they incur. Members of Council expenses must be reasonable
and reflect what the public expects of an elected official.
02.04 Transparency - The public has a right to know how public funds allocated
to Members of Council are spent. The public’s right to Council expense
information must be balanced against the need to protect privacy and
personal information, and allow time for proper accounting and
reconciliation of expenses.
03 Responsibilities
03.01 Members of Council to:
a) adhere to and support the Council Compensation Policy;
b) consider amendments as presented by the Chief Administrative
Officer;
c) meet all financial, legal, and income tax obligations; and,
d) stay within budget guidelines and expenditure categories.
03.02 Chief Administrative Officer to:
a) support the Council Compensation Policy.
03.03 City Clerk to:
a) approve any expenditures in accordance with the Policy;
b) advise Members of Council of the status of their budgets;
c) advise Members of Council if any item appears to breach the Council
Compensation Policy; and,
Policy Title: Council Compensation Policy Page 4 of 15
Policy Number: ADM 190
d) make sure that supporting documentation is in place, and that
expenditures conform with the Policy.
04 General
04.01 This Policy shall be reviewed every four years prior to the budget
meetings that follow the general municipal election, or as directed by
Council.
04.02 When a vacancy occurs and is subsequently filled, or upon the
commencement of a new Term of Council and after the Inaugural
Meeting of Council has occurred, compensation, benefits and allowances
outlined in this Policy shall be pro-rated to the Term of Office for each
Member of Council.
04.03 Items purchased for and expense reimbursements by the City and
provided to a Member of Council will be charged to the Member’s budget.
04.04 Reimbursement or payment by the City will not be made if it is not
specifically provided for in this Policy.
04.05 No remaining current budget allocations or allowances can be carried
forward into future years unless otherwise provided for in this Policy.
04.06 Individual Members of Council shall not use City funds to make individual
grants or donations to organizations or persons for any form of
sponsorship or fundraising.
04.07 Members of Council will not be reimbursed for expenditures purchased
through the use of rewards or point programs or gift cards.
04.08 Detailed listings of Council expenses are prepared on a monthly basis for
each Member of Council and publicly disclosed on the City’s website as
soon as practicably possible.
05 Accounting Procedures
05.01 Member of Council claims for expenses must follow basic accounting and
audit principles:
a) expenses must relate to the business of the City of Pickering;
b) complete backup of all documentation pertinent to the expenditure
must be attached to the expense reimbursement;
c) Members of Council must incur the expenses. Expenses incurred by
third parties cannot be claimed;
Policy Title: Council Compensation Policy Page 5 of 15
Policy Number: ADM 190
d) Members of Council must provide proper documentation, including
detailed receipts, invoices or e-bills, for all expense claims. Credit
card receipts or statements alone are not sufficient and will not be
accepted. In the case of any online purchases, a copy of the
confirmation is not enough for reimbursement, and the credit card
statement must also accompany the backup documentation;
e) invoices must include a description of the goods purchased or
services rendered, the cost, applicable taxes and HST Registration
Number;
f) original or digital signatures are required on all invoices;
g) expenses must be submitted for reimbursement within 60 days of the
expenditure; and,
h) Members of Council who charge for goods against the current year
must have received the goods and or services from the vendor before
December 31st of the year.
05.02 Reimbursement of expenses must be completed through the City’s
automated Travel and Expense process within the City’s portal.
Supporting documentation needs to provided for each expense.
05.03 External Service Providers - payment shall be made directly by the City to
the service provider upon submission of an original detailed invoice. An
invoice for external services must contain, the business name, address,
date and additional details of services provided such as itemizing hours by
day, HST business registration number and description of work provided.
All invoices require sign off by the Councillor to indicate that services were
received prior to authorization, and before payment can be processed.
06 Salary
06.01 The remuneration payable to the Mayor shall be:
a) $120,703.00 per annum effective January 1, 2023; and,
b) Thereafter, the annual salary of the Mayor shall be increased at the
higher rate of either the same rate/percentage provided to those
employees covered by the Collective Agreement for CUPE Local 129
on April 1st of the immediate preceding year or the salary increase
percentage given to the Chief Administrative Officer in the prior year.
06.02 The remuneration payable to a Councillor shall be:
a) $50,293.00 per annum effective January 1, 2023;
b) Thereafter, the annual salary of a Councillor shall be increased at the
higher rate of either same rate/percentage provided to those
Policy Title: Council Compensation Policy Page 6 of 15
Policy Number: ADM 190
employees covered by the Collective Agreement for CUPE Local 129
on April 1st of the immediate preceding year or the salary increase
percentage given to the Chief Administrative Officer in the prior year ;
c) a Councillor shall be paid a per diem rate of 1.0 percent of their
annual salary for a total of 10 days for attending a full day meeting,
workshop, seminar or convention; and,
d) per diem payments payable to Councillors shall be paid monthly. Per
diem payments shall cease on the last day that the Councillors remain
in office and shall be pro-rated accordingly.
06.03 Remuneration payable to Members of Council shall be based on an
annual rate and paid bi-weekly. Remuneration to Members of Council
shall cease on the last day that the Member remains on the Council of the
City of Pickering.
07 Benefits:
07.01 Health Plan
a) An Extended Health Plan shall be available to all Members of Council
and their families;
b) Members shall have access to a health care spending account for
$7,500 per year with no carry over provision or unused amount paid
out;
c) For a Member of Council who has completed more than 8 years of
continuous service and ceases to be a Member for the reasons set
out in Section 07.04.a), the Corporation shall pay 100 percent of the
premium cost of the Extended Health, Dental and Vision Care Benefit
Plans, including health care spending account referenced in 7.01b),
for the number of years of service or until the Member attains the age
of 85;
d) Following a Council Member’s death while in service, the Corporation
shall continue to pay 100 percent of the premium costs of the
Extended Health, Dental and Vision Care Benefit Plans in respect of a
Member’s surviving spouse and dependents for up to 24 calendar
months.
07.02 Current sitting Members of Council, shall be provided a Term Life
Insurance Policy paid to the designated beneficiary as follows:
a) Mayor $200,000.00;
b) Councillor $100,000.00;
c) accidental death and dismemberment insurance coverage (ceases at
age 70); and,
d) Members of Council will be eligible for an additional
Policy Title: Council Compensation Policy Page 7 of 15
Policy Number: ADM 190
$100,000.00 (after tax) payment to their designated beneficiary at the
time of their death.
07.03 A Member of Council may maintain a Registered Retirement Savings
Plan (RRSP), either own or spousal as permitted, under current Federal
legislation to which the Corporation shall contribute a maximum of 13
percent of the Member’s earned salary each year;
a) To have the City make the contribution or reimburse for the
contribution, the Member of Council must provide:
i) written confirmation that a member has sufficient contribution
room, as provided by the Canada Revenue Agency on their notice
of assessment, to accommodate the City’s contribution, shall be
provided to the Treasurer no later than December 31st in any given
year and the City’s contribution shall be made directly to the RRSP
no later than January 31st of the next calendar year;
OR
ii) evidence of a contribution by a Member towards an RRSP shall be
provided to the Treasurer no later than December 31st in any given
year. The member will then be reimbursed for the contribution, to
a maximum of 13 percent of the Member’s earned salary, no later
than January 31st of the next calendar year.
b) For the purpose of calculating the 13 percent RRSP contribution
amount, the word “salary” shall mean the annual salary plus the per
diem rate, pro-rated for a Member not holding office for an entire
calendar year, of the Mayor and Councillors and it excludes all
taxable benefits and allowances.
c) The contribution to an RRSP is a taxable benefit regardless of
whether it is paid to the Member of Council or the financial institution.
d) The City shall make its contribution only in the month of January of
the next calendar year regardless of when the Member of Council
made a contribution, except when a Member of Council ceases to
hold office during the year, in which case a whole or partial
contribution will be made in that year.
e) An elected official has the option to have the City contribute directly to
a Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA), rather than an RRSP. The
contribution amount would be net of taxes but all other requirements,
noted above would apply.
07.04 a) A Member of Council, who has completed a term, may, upon
written application to the Treasurer by the Member, receive
severance remuneration upon ceasing to be a Member by reason of:
i) election defeat;
ii) resignation;
iii) election to another government body;
Policy Title: Council Compensation Policy Page 8 of 15
Policy Number: ADM 190
b) No Member of Council shall be entitled to receive severance
remuneration if he or she ceases to be a Member by reason of
resignation which is a result of or given in anticipation of:
i) removal from office by judicial process; or,
ii) notwithstanding the above, disqualification under or by operation
of any Act of the Parliament of Canada or the Legislature of the
Province of Ontario.
c) Severance remuneration shall be equal to: one month of salary for
the Mayor or one month of salary that includes the per diem for
Councillors, times the number of years of consecutive, uninterrupted
full service of the Member, to a maximum amount payable of 36
months remuneration. Severance remuneration shall be calculated
from the day the Member took office to the last day that the Member
ceases to hold office.
d) A written application for severance remuneration must be received by
the Treasurer within 6 calendar months of a Member of Council
ceasing to be a Member; otherwise any entitlement to severance
remuneration shall be forfeited. Upon approval of the application by
the Treasurer, a payment arrangement shall be agreed to that does
not extend beyond four years. Interest is not earned on the
severance remuneration if a payment arrangement is agreed on.
08 Vehicle Allowance
08.01 A vehicle allowance is provided for in the annual Current Budget on a
monthly basis to each Member of Council.
a) The vehicle allowance shall be deemed to provide for all travel and
travel-related expenses less than 50 km one way from the Civic
Complex and shall include but not be limited to fuel, parking, highway
tolls, taxi fares, public transportation fares and valet services.
b) Travel of more than 50 km one way from the Civic Complex shall be
paid for the outgoing and return trip in excess of 100 kilometres at the
per kilometre rate of reimbursement approved by Council or economy
class return air fare between Toronto and the destination, whichever
is the lesser.
09 Professional and Business Development
09.01 A budget of $16,000 per term for each Member of Council shall be
provided. This will be an allocation of approximately $4,000 per Member
of Council in each annual budget for professional and business
development related to City business, however, a Member of Council
may use funds from future years as long as the budget does not exceed
$16,000 for the Term of Council. Any spending above the $16,000
Policy Title: Council Compensation Policy Page 9 of 15
Policy Number: ADM 190
allocated for the term must be paid back by the Member of Council within
one month.
09.02 Members of Council may attend the following programs that are relevant
to a Member of Council’s role/duties and relates to City business:
a) conferences and seminars;
b) professional education and development programs;
c) skills development programs;
d) research/study trips; and,
e) other City business or other travel requested by City Council.
09.03 Expenses shall include actual accommodation costs, registration costs,
travel if applicable, hotel internet/telephone charges and meals if not
provided by conference event and where such expenses are not
otherwise claimed or paid for by another person or body.
09.04 Accommodation expenses shall be at the event headquarters and if not
available, then at the nearest suitable hotel, motel, etc. and at a single
occupancy room rate. All expenses over a single occupancy room rate
will be the responsibility of the Member of Council.
09.05 Travel necessary for professional and business development in excess of
50 kilometres one way, 100 kilometres return from the Civic Complex,
shall be paid at the per kilometre rate of reimbursement approved in the
Current Budget or economy class return air fare between Toronto and
destination whichever is the lesser. Economy plus standard is permitted
for air travel over five hours. Other travel related expenses such as
parking, vehicle rentals, taxi fares, public transportation fares and
highway tolls incurred for travel beyond 50 kilometres one way, 100
kilometres return shall also be reimbursed upon presentation of receipts.
09.06 Lost receipts will not be reimbursed.
09.07 Councillors must have Council approval in order for expenses to be
reimbursed for any event outside of North America unless the Mayor has
delegated his authority under section 226.1 of the Municipal Act to
represent the City in his place to the Deputy Mayor or a Councillor, if the
Deputy Mayor cannot attend.
10 Economic Development
10.01 Councillors will be provided an annual budget of $7,000 per year (with no
carryover provision) to undertake key economic initiatives for business
attraction that includes business development and trade shows and the
costs related to this activity including items such as travel,
Policy Title: Council Compensation Policy Page 10 of 15
Policy Number: ADM 190
accommodation, food and registration fees shall be charged to this
account.
10.02 Council approval is not required for international air travel,
accommodations, registration fees and meals for economic development
initiatives.
11 Councillors Stationery and Office Supply Budget
11.01 An annual budget of $750.00 is provided for each Councillor for office
supplies used for City business such as; personalized letterhead,
business cards, toner cartridges, Commissioner Stamps,
publications/books relating to City business.
11.02 All letterhead and business cards must comply with the City’s template
guidelines.
12 Meals, Receptions, Promotions & Special/Community Events
12.01 An annual budget of $5,000.00 is provided for each Councillor for meals,
individual ads, receptions, promotions and special events where the
Member of Council is required to attend in an official capacity and the
event relates to City/constituent business.
12.02 Where an invitation is extended to a Member of Council to attend a
function in his or her capacity as an elected official, the Member may
request reimbursement for one additional ticket for a spouse or guest,
where appropriate and reasonable.
12.03 Individual ads (i.e. newspaper ads, business card ads) must be placed in
news or advertising media circulated within the City of Pickering. Copies
of print ads must be provided with the invoice.
12.04 Members of Council may hold Ward Town Hall Meetings with their
constituents and may use City Facilities for this purpose at no charge.
Facility availability is based on current City programming needs that may
already be scheduled and an alternative space may be offered to the
Member of Council if required. Town Hall Meetings shall be limited to one
per month and where possible should be combined with the other
Member of Council elected to that Ward. A Council Member’s request for
staff participation at a Town Hall Meeting shall be directed to the CAO a
minimum of 2 weeks in advance of the Town Hall and is subject to CAO
pre-approval.
13 Meal Reimbursement
13.01 Reimbursement shall be provided to Members of Council for the cost of
meals attended for the purpose of discussing matters of City business as
follows:
Policy Title: Council Compensation Policy Page 11 of 15
Policy Number: ADM 190
a) reimbursement shall only be provided for reasonable food and
alcohol expenses upon submission of the original restaurant bill
providing details of the purchase and the HST number. The
attendees and the purpose of the meeting is to be noted on the
reverse side of the bill;
b) reimbursement for alcohol alone is not allowed; and,
c) Members of Council will not be reimbursed for any food, drink or
alcohol for any social meal/event when taking City/Regional staff or
Advisory Committee/Board members out (i.e. lunches, retirement
functions, holiday lunches).
14 Communications
14.01 A Capital Budget of $15,000 per term, per Member of Council, shall be
provided for the acquisition of computer hardware/software and
telecommunications equipment.
a) Expenditures of this allocation shall only be made in the first 40
months of office following a general election.
b) No replacement computer hardware/software, telecommunications
equipment or smart phones shall be purchased or leased for
Members of Council unless it is lost or stolen, or no longer operates
and cannot be repaired to its initial operating specifications. The old
equipment must be returned, and/or affidavit that the equipment has
been lost or stolen must be submitted. Any replacement equipment
purchased under this Section will be charged to the Councillor’s
budget.
c) Following a general municipal election, by-election or appointment,
the new Member(s) of Council shall be contacted by staff to
determine their needs. Members of Council may choose to be
supplied with equipment recommended by City staff or they may
choose to be supplied with equipment of their choice. The Division
Head, Information Technology must be consulted to verify
compatibility and to clarify IT support opportunities before purchase.
At the point of delivery of the equipment, Members of Council shall
be required to sign a Home Equipment Agreement which shall set
out the equipment that has been supplied to the Member and the
conditions under which it has been supplied.
14.02 Returning of equipment by Members of Council:
a) the equipment issued to Members of Council remains the property of
the City and shall be returned on completion of the Term of Office;
b) every Member of Council who does not continue to hold municipal
office shall return all computer hardware/software,
Policy Title: Council Compensation Policy Page 12 of 15
Policy Number: ADM 190
telecommunications equipment and any other equipment purchased
or leased on their behalf to the City by November 30th following a
general municipal election or within 21 days of ceasing to hold
office;
c) notwithstanding section 12.02 b), an outgoing Member may request
the purchase of such equipment. The Treasurer shall consider each
request when submitted, taking into consideration the age of the
equipment, its market value as determined by the City’s Information
Technology Division and any licensed software on the equipment;
d) a Member of Council will be provided with the opportunity to
purchase City owned equipment if he or she:
i) has held office for at least one full term;
ii) is not standing for re-election; or
iii) has been unsuccessful in seeking re-election;
e) the opportunity to purchase will not be available to a Member of
Council who is disqualified or dismissed from holding office; and,
f) in the event the above-noted items are not returned or purchased by
the said date, the matter shall be referred to the Director, Corporate
Services & City Solicitor to pursue recovery.
14.03 The City will reimburse each Member of Council for phone/internet
usage as follows:
a) smart phone plans, iPad plans,
b) A budget of $1,800 per year will be provided for internet usage costs on
a reimbursement basis only; and
c) Members of Council who are planning to travel out-of-province or
out-of-country must contact the City’s IT staff or the provider to
determine the appropriate voice and data roaming plan. Roaming
charges will not be reimbursed by the City for usage costs for
electronic devices that are accidentally turned on or left on.
15 Constituent Communications
It is recognized that there are many communications media available to Members of
Council to communicate with their constituents, including newsletters,
neighbourhood letters, cooperative letters, websites, town hall meetings and social
media accounts.
15.01 An annual budget of $16,000 for the first, second and third calendar
years and an annual budget of $4,000 for the fourth year for website
expenditures will be provided to each Councillor for constituent
communications. The City shall cover the cost of preparing, printing and
Policy Title: Council Compensation Policy Page 13 of 15
Policy Number: ADM 190
mailing newsletters, neighbourhood letters and cooperative letters, as
well as the cost of creating and maintaining a website and/or social
media account as follows:
a) a newsletter shall not be mailed or otherwise distributed beyond
the boundaries of the constituency of a Member of Council except
where postal walks cross beyond the boundaries of his/her ward;
b) in instances where Members of Council are assigned or appointed
to additional duties, or where it is determined that the same
information is being sent out by another Member, and combining
information is fiscally responsible, cross-ward boundary
communication exceptions may be permitted at the discretion of
the City Clerk;
c) a newsletter, neighbourhood letter, cooperative letter, City-funded
website or other communications media shall not contain
information that would promote any candidate in an election;
d) a newsletter, neighbourhood letter, cooperative letter, City-funded
website or other communications media shall not contain
advertising that would promote a product or service of a company,
organization or individual;
e) a Member of Council shall only be reimbursed for communication
expenses relating to City business incurred through media that
have general circulation in the City of Pickering, such as a
newspaper, radio or television station; and,
f) in the fourth year of a term of office, all communications must be
delivered to the mailing address by April 30th in order to be
reimbursed by the City.
16 Websites
The City will reimburse Members of Council for the cost associated with
development, licensing and maintaining a website as follows:
16.01 a link to the Councillor’s City-funded constituent website will only be
provided from the City of Pickering website under the Councillor’s profile
link;
16.02 Members of Council cannot convert an existing Councillor’s City-funded
constituent website to an election campaign website;
16.03 the City will reimburse for the purchase of one domain name registration,
web hosting fees and website maintenance fees;
16.04 Members of Council’s City-funded constituent websites will be hosted
outside of the City’s internet URL address and are entirely the
responsibility of Members of Council;
Policy Title: Council Compensation Policy Page 14 of 15
Policy Number: ADM 190
16.05 City staff cannot provide any advice related to these external sites,
including wording for disclaimers;
16.06 the City recommends that Members of Council choose a web-hosting
company operating in Canada to reduce the risk of breaching the privacy
of constituents under conditions of the United States Patriot Act;
16.07 use of the City logo and symbols must comply with all applicable City
policies;
16.08 Members of Council’s City-funded constituent websites cannot advocate
for a political party, other levels of government, for-profit organizations or
individuals not related to the business of the City, or for candidates in
any municipal, provincial, federal election or by-election, or promote
consent or rejection of a question on a ballot that has been submitted to
electors; and,
16.09 Members of Council’s City-funded constituent websites cannot contain
advertising that would promote a product or service of any company,
organization or individual.
17 In an Election Year
17.01 The Municipal Elections Act, 1996 states that the City cannot make a
contribution to any candidate or their campaign in a municipal election.
Therefore, special conditions for expense reimbursement for Members
of Council apply during an election year.
17.02 In an election year the following conditions shall apply effective May 1st:
a) no Member of Council shall use the facilities, equipment, supplies,
services, staff or other resources of the municipality for any election
campaign or campaign-related activities;
b) no Member of Council shall undertake any campaign-related
activities on any municipal property;
c) no mailing or distribution of constituent communications where the
costs are borne by the City;
d) no mailing or distribution of generic neighbourhood letters or
cooperative letters shall occur where the costs are borne by the
City;
e) no individual advertising shall occur where the costs are borne by
the City (i.e. newspaper ads, business card ads); and,
f) no community events can be organized by a Member of Council
where the costs are borne by the City (i.e. Ward Town Hall
Meetings, safety meetings, government info meetings, etc.).
Policy Title: Council Compensation Policy Page 15 of 15
Policy Number: ADM 190
Please refer to all associated Procedures and Standard Operating Procedures, if
applicable, for detailed processes regarding this Policy.