Mathieu Goetzke, Acting Chief Administrative Officer, introduced the presentation.
Wayne Steffler, Commissioner, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, outlined the budget meeting sequence (November 18 operating budget; November 19 capital; Nov 26 Waterloo Regional Police Services and GRCA; December 3 follow-ups; December 16 final decision), and explained how the Plan and Budget translates Council priorities into funded services and capital, connecting affordability to pace and scope.
Connie MacDonald, Commissioner, Resident Experience, Strategy and Communications, described the planning framework, the role of annual business planning, and the four strategic priorities.
Jenny Smith, Director, Corporate Strategy, Performance and Resident Experience, provided community/economic context, and highlighted responses, childcare capacity strategies, climate/energy initiatives, GRT optimization, community collaborations (e.g., Upstream ROI), and evolving public health/paramedicine models.
Nicole Neil, Director, Corporate Finance, explained property tax composition, Council’s levy and tax policy roles, achievement of the 5% levy guideline (projected 4.94% residential impact), key pressures, operating funding mix, cost-shared program trends, and the capital plan, including RDC/reserves/grants/debt, unsecured items pending grants (e.g., LRT Phase 2), and re-profiling debt to reduce future levy pressure.
W. Steffler explained next steps, that staff to host small-group Councillor workshops before November 18 and the detailed draft budget release by November 12.
In response to a question from the Committee, N. Neil noted that the 2025 information used to replicate the chart on slide 21 can be monitored going forward.
In response to a question from the Committee, J. Smith provided clarification regarding township data.
The Committee discussed a percentage tax increase, seeking clarification on the corresponding amount and its overall impact. N. Neil explained that the levy for 2025 is projected at approximately $579 million.
A Committee member inquired about the breakdown of funding received from the federal and provincial governments. Staff confirmed that this information will be brought back to the Committee at the November 18 meeting. The member further asked whether a buffer could be added to the budget to provide a cushion against potential risks. N. Neil responded that the Region has ensured financial sustainability through RDC-funded projects and does not anticipate a financing risk, noting confidence that 2026 will also present no such risk, particularly in light of Bill 17.
A question was raised regarding the Region’s growth rate and progress on major initiatives such as Paramedic Services, Building Better Futures, and Grand River Transit. C. MacDonald advised that at the next meeting, the Committee will review the draft annual business plan, which will outline how these initiatives are advancing and how priorities are being managed to maintain affordability.
In response to a question about motions from Council, Tim Brubacher, Director Council and Administrative Services/Regional Clerk, explained the submission deadline and encouraged members of Council to submit motions as early as possible to allow adequate time for staff preparation.
The Committee deliberated on the items anticipated for the November 18 meeting.
A question was raised regarding slide 25. N. Neil explained the principles of cost sharing and provided an overview of the various committed costs reflected in the chart. W. Steffler added that only partial funding is shown due to outstanding labour contract commitments.
In response to a question regarding Senior Services, M. Goetzke advised that staff will bring additional information back to the Committee. N. Neil noted that there is an approximate $800,000 debt repayment charge scheduled to roll off.
Jennifer Rose, Commissioner of Engineering and Environmental Services, responding to a question from a Committee member, confirmed that staff are aware of the growth needs required to support the community and will work with her team to better reflect this in the forthcoming Asset Management Plan.
The Committee discussed reserve spending.
In response to a question regarding Development Charge (DC) collections, N. Neil stated that the third-quarter collections for this year, compared to last year, present a short-term point of concern but not a long-term one. In response to a question regarding property assessment, she added that existing properties are continuing to be split and reviewed.
M. Goetzke also provided comments in response to a question from the Committee regarding broader fiscal planning.
The presentation was received for information and is appended to the original agenda.