Administration and Finance Committee Minutes

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Council Chambers
Members Present:
  • K. Redman, 
  • D. Craig, 
  • R. Deutschmann, 
  • J. Erb, 
  • S. Foxton, 
  • M. Harris, 
  • C. Huinink, 
  • C. James, 
  • J. Liggett, 
  • D. McCabe, 
  • J. Nowak, 
  • N. Salonen, 
  • S. Shantz, 
  • B. Vrbanovic, 
  • K. Williams, 
  • and P. Wolf 

Should you require an alternative format or a copy of the official minutes please contact the Regional Clerk at Tel.: 519-575-4400, TTY: 519-575-4605, or regionalclerk@regionofwaterloo.ca


1.
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Chair M. Harris called the meeting to order at 2:13 p.m.

2.
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Chair Harris provided a land acknowledgment.

4.
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There were no presentations.

5.
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There were no delegations.

6.
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Item 6.2.1, PDL-CAS-23-006, Considerations for a Lobbyist Registry was removed from the consent agenda. 

  • Moved byJ. Erb
    Seconded byN. Salonen

    That the Consent Agenda items be received for information and approved.

    Carried (16 to 0)
  • Moved byJ. Erb
    Seconded byN. Salonen

    For information

    Carried

Will Short, Regional Clerk, provided clarification on the recommended motion. 

In response to a question from the Committee, W. Short indicated that the report includes a draft lobbyist registry by-law and lobbyist code of conduct which will be open for further discussion during the 2024 plan and budget meeting.

  • Moved byC. Huinink
    Seconded byR. Deutschmann

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo defer the consideration of a Lobbyist Registry to the 2024 Plan and Budget as set out in report PDL-CAS-23-004 dated June 6, 2023. 

    Carried (16 to 0)

9.
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None.

7.
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7.1
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Connie MacDonald, Chief Communications & Strategy Officer and Craig Dyer, Commissioner, Corporate Service/Chief Financial Officer, delivered a presentation on the 2024 Plan and Budget Process and Principles. The objective of the presentation was to provide a preliminary overview of impacts and projections for 2024, to seek approval of the proposed timetable for the development of the 2024 plan and budget, and to seek guidance on the 2024 plan and budget principles. 

In response to a question from the Committee, C. Dyer addressed the driving factors behind this budget review. Three key elements were identified: the prolonged period of elevated inflation, the costs associated with capital projects, and uncertainties surrounding funding from the Province. It was emphasized that there have not been substantial decreases in the cost of maintaining current service levels, and given the rapid growth of the population in the Region, there is a cost of growth that requires service expansion in order to meet the expectations and the needs of the community.

Further comments were made regarding the budget meeting dates and deadlines for notices of motions from Councillors. 

  • Moved byC. James
    Seconded byR. Deutschmann

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to the 2024 Plan and Budget as set out in report COR-CFN-23-027 dated June 6, 2023:

    1. Approve the 2024 Plan and Budget review timetable as set out in Appendix A;
    2. Forward a copy of Report COR-CFN-23-027 to the Waterloo Region Police Services Board and to the Area Municipalities in Waterloo Region.
  • Moved byJ. Liggett
    Seconded byS. Shantz

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo refer the report back to Staff for changes discussed under 7.1.1 COR-CFN-23-027, 2024 Plan and Budget Process and Guidelines to Council on June 21, 2023.

    Carried (16 to 0)

11.

 
  • Moved byJ. Nowak
    Seconded byC. Huinink

    That the meeting adjourn at 3:18 p.m.

    Carried