I approach this recommendation brought forward by staff with both reservations and expectations.

I want to acknowledge the hard work that staff has done to bring forward a decrease in the operating budget. I recognize that any increase in taxes creates a challenge and a potential tipping point to the security, affordability and sustainability for certain sectors of our community.

Looking forward, my expectations for the next three budget cycles in this term are:

• Recognizing that it is no longer “business as usual”
• Setting a target for gap reduction that currently exists in comparison to similar municipalities with similar services
• Reviewing and implementing in a timely manner any recommendations for operational alignment and efficiencies resulting from the consultant’s review completed at the end of 2022
• Receiving and reviewing the inventory of City owned facilities along with the operational costs and utilization statistics for these assets before we begin the next budget review cycle to determine if it is reasonable and realistic to continue to maintain and support that inventory
• Investing additional Council time dedicated to budget, governance, oversight and City sustainability
• Continuing to engage with the public for input and suggestions regarding resource allocation, options for utilizing community wealth strategies and revenue generation initiatives

We can do more by be being intentional over the next budget cycle and during this term of Council to ensure that we have explored every opportunity to be more in alignment with other municipalities who offer similar services to what we are currently offering.