Nanaimo Financial Plan Adopted

NEWS RELEASE

Council adopts 2016-2020 Financial Plan

During its December 16th Special Council Meeting, Council adopted the City of Nanaimo's 2016-2020 Financial Plan.  The plan's adoption allows Council to set spending limits for programs and services for the next five years.  Staff will now proceed forward in developing work plans for 2016 and preparing for 2016 capital projects. 

Highlights from the plan include:

• The total 2016 Budget is $157.7 million - $122.5 million to fund operations and service programs and $35.2 million to fund capital projects.
• A 0 per cent increase in the property tax rate for 2016.
• $945,000 in funding for general asset management.
• User fee increases of 5 per cent for sewer, 7.5 per cent for water and 1 per cent for garbage.
• Savings of $816,000 in 2016 through executive downsizing; eliminating the general manager group and freezing other vacant exempt positions. This will save the City about $4.2 million over the next 5 years.
• Provide $150,000 in funding for four members per engine in the Fire Services Department.
• Provide $230,000 in funding for a citizen survey and strategic planning exercises in 2016.

2016-2020 Financial Plan will be amended in April/May of 2016 to incorporate property tax and funding requisitions from the Regional District of Nanaimo; Vancouver Island Library; and others.

Council will consider and adopt the 2016 Property Tax Bylaw in April/May 2016.

"Approving the Financial Plan now is both responsive and responsible; it is important for the City to have an approved budget before the end of the year.  Last night's approval provides time and certainty to implement Council’s priorities.  Additional conversations will continue to take place around our public safety operations as 2016 progresses with the aim of arriving at evidence-based decisions on facilities and staffing."  -  Victor Mema Director of Finance City of Nanaimo