County Council Adheres to the Key Principles of the Long Term Financial Plan
PEMBROKE — County of Renfrew Warden Jennifer Murphy and Councillor Walter Stack, Chair of the County’s Finance & Administration Committee, led the annual County of Renfrew Budget Workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 18. The pair commended Elected Officials and County staff on the delivery of the 2017 budget which contains a tax levy increase to existing ratepayers of three percent
The principles adopted in the Long-term Financial Plan continue to guide the annual budget discussions, ensuring that the County of Renfrew remains focused on today and on the future. The Long-term Financial Plan calls for holding the annual tax levy increase to three percent as one of its key financial principles. In doing so, the County of Renfrew will have the resources necessary to operate all of its programs and services as well as fund the $239 million asset renewal program over the next 10-year planning horizon. This will allow for the continued and necessary investment in vital infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and social housing.
At the September 2016 session, County Council gave clear direction to the CAO and staff on how they would like the first draft of the budget prepared in order to minimize the financial impact on Renfrew County residents.
Warden Murphy said, “I wish to express my appreciation to all Committees for their hard work in reviewing the draft budgets at Standing Committees during the past week. I believe that we have a very effective and efficient budget process that allows Council to meet in January each year to debate, review and finally approve a budget that provides direction to our staff regarding the level of municipal service we consider appropriate for the residents of our County.”
Coun. Stack, Chair of the Finance & Administration Committee, commended County of Renfrew elected and staff on their efforts to find savings within their respective areas of the budget.
“Council gave clear direction to staff in September 2016 on how they wanted the first draft of the 2017 Budget prepared,”he said. “I am pleased to report that CAO Jim Hutton and his staff have delivered a 2017 Consolidated Budget that meets those targets. On behalf of County Council, a sincere “Thank you” is extended to all staff involved in preparing this draft budget for us to review.”
A recommendation for the 2017 budget to be officially adopted as a By-law will be made at the next session of County Council scheduled for Wednesday January 25. The County of Renfrew is an Upper Tier Municipality providing a wide range of services across the largest geographic area of any municipality in Ontario.
