1. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest under The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act

Transcription

1 Regional Municipality of Waterloo Budget Committee Agenda Tuesday, December 5, :30 p.m. Regional Council Chambers 150 Frederick Street, 2 nd Floor, Kitchener Media Release: Friday, December 1, 2017, 4:30 p.m. 1. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest under The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act 2. Opening Remarks (S. Strickland/M. Murray) Budget Update COR-FSD-17-35, 2018 Budget Update and Amendments 3 Recommendation: That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo amend the Seniors Services capital program by advancing $50,000 from 2019 to 2018 for project (Equipment / Furnishings Replacement) and increasing the 2018 Capital Budget for this project by $497,000, with no net tax levy impact as set out in report COR-FSD dated December 5, Presentation (C. Dyer) 4. Information Papers Assessment Growth 12 Public Engagement Feedback 21 Councillor Requests Section 6-

2 Budget Agenda /12/5 5. Presentation Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) 2018 Budget 6. Other Business 7. Next Meeting - December 13, Adjourn Section 6-

3 3 3 Region of Waterloo Corporate Services Financial Services and Development Financing Report: COR-FSD To: Chair Sean Strickland and Members of the Budget Committee Date: December 5, 2017 File Code: F05-30 Subject: 2018 Budget Update and Amendments Recommendation: That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo amend the Seniors Services capital program by advancing $50,000 from 2019 to 2018 for project (Equipment / Furnishings Replacement) and increasing the 2018 Capital Budget for this project by $497,000, with no net tax levy impact as set out in report COR-FSD dated December 5, Summary: Today s meeting is the third of four scheduled Budget Committee meetings for the purpose of approving the 2018 Region of Waterloo Budget. An adjustment to the Seniors Services Tax Supported Capital Program is included in this report for Budget Committee s consideration. Net assessment growth during 2017 was 1.93%. The 2018 base Regional budget position including the above recommendations and items already approved by Council is 2.02%. This position excludes budget issue papers and the Waterloo Regional Police Service budget. Budget issue papers totalling 0.58% in 2018 (with annualization of an additional 0.48% in 2019) were reviewed at the budget meeting on November 22. The 2018 Waterloo Region Police Services Budget is scheduled to receive final approval on December 6, 2017 by the Waterloo Region Police Services Board (PSB). The December 5, 2017 Budget Committee agenda includes information papers relating to councillor requests, assessment growth, and public engagement feedback. The Committee will also receive a presentation from the Waterloo Regional Police Service Section 6- Page 1 of 9

4 4 4 December 5, 2017 Report: The objectives of the third 2018 Budget Committee meeting are to: Report: COR-FSD Provide Committee members with updated and new information with respect to the 2018 Operating Budget and Capital Program; 2. Consider adjustments to the 2018 Operating Budget and Capital Program; 3. Receive a presentation from the Waterloo Regional Police Service regarding its 2018 budget. 4. Provide an opportunity for Committee to make final requests for information in advance of 2018 Budget Approval on December 13, Details of the proposed 2018 Tax Supported and User Rate Operating Budgets and Capital Programs were provided at the November 22 meeting in the form of the Proposed 2018 Program Budget Book, the Budget Issue Paper package, Budget Information Papers, and through staff presentations at Budget Committee. Additional information papers are included on this agenda. Tax Supported Budget Updates Details regarding the 2018 Base Budget are contained in the Proposed 2018 Budget Book. The following section highlights one staff recommended budget amendment. A summary of the status of the 2018 Tax Supported operating budget is included in Section 3 of this report (page 4). 1. Staff recommended budget adjustment The Sunnyside Home facility operated by Seniors Services was opened in 2002 (Kenneth Wing) and 2004 (Franklin Wing). Due to the age of the facility and the changing needs of the clients served, an internal review of major equipment has been undertaken by Regional staff. Several categories of equipment were identified that should be replaced during These are over and above the amounts currently included in the preliminary 2018 Capital Budget. It should be noted that the current equipment in use by Sunnyside is safe, but it is coming to the end of its useful life and should be replaced in 2018 to continue to achieve resident and staff safety Section 6- Page 2 of 9

5 5 5 December 5, 2017 Report: COR-FSD The additional proposed 2018 expenditures are: Item 2018 Estimated Cost Tub Replacement $270,000 Ceiling Lifts and Slings 176,000 Portable Lifts 36,000 Mobility Aids 50,000 Mattresses and Beds 15,000 Total $547,000 Of the $547,000 proposed, $50,000 for ceiling lifts and slings had been included in the 2019 capital forecast for Seniors Services. It is recommended that this amount be advanced to 2018 from The net increase to the capital program is $497,000. All equipment replacement expenditures will be funded from the Seniors Services Capital Reserve with no incremental tax levy impact. A more detailed external review of equipment will be undertaken in conjunction with the building condition audit in The equipment condition audit will provide an overall assessment of the equipment in use at Sunnyside and provide a replacement plan that will be incorporated into the Sunnyside capital program. 2. Assessment Growth Assessment growth in 2017 for the 2018 budget was 1.93%. The following chart provides a history of assessment growth since 2000: History of Assessment Growth % 3.50% 3.00% 2.50% 2.00% 1.50% 1.00% 0.50% 0.00% 2.35% 1.92% % 3.29% 3.12% 2.99% % % % 1.84% Budget Year 1.34% % 1.85% 1.93% 1.72% 1.71% 1.52% 1.41% 1.34% Section 6- Page 3 of 9

6 6 6 December 5, 2017 Report: COR-FSD A budget information paper that provides further analysis regarding the factors influencing assessment growth has been included with this agenda on page Status of 2018 Tax Supported Operating Budget Position The base budget position for Regional programs represents a tax levy of $351.9 million and a tax rate impact of 2.02%. An updated 2018 Tax Supported Budget Continuity is provided in the following table: Direct Regional Programs 2018 Property Tax Levy ($000) 2018 Tax Rate Impact (%) Tax Supported base budget position, November 22 $351, % Assessment growth (Region s share of 1.93%) (1.29%) Tax impact of Tax Supported base budget position, December % The figures above exclude the impact of Budget Issue Papers and the Waterloo Regional Police Services (WRPS) Budget. A 2.02% tax rate increase for Direct Regional Programs would add approximately $39 to the Regional tax bill for a residential property assessed at $323, Regional Budget Issues Appendix A provides a summary of proposed 2018 Budget Issue Papers (BIPs). A number of the tax supported budget issues have no impact on the property tax levy as a result of reserve funding, recoveries from the capital program or offsetting expenditure savings. Several of the proposed BIPs impact the 2018 property tax levy. If approved, these budget issue papers would add $2.9 million to the 2018 property tax levy and add annualization of $2.4 million in Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) Budget The 2018 Police Services budget was approved in principle by the Police Services Board (PSB) on November 1, Police Services staff will present their budget to Budget Committee on December 5, 2017 and the PSB is scheduled to approve the 2018 budget on December 6, Section 6- Page 4 of 9

7 7 7 December 5, Budget Information Papers Report: COR-FSD The December 5, 2017 Budget Committee agenda includes the following budget information papers: Assessment Growth Public Engagement Feedback Councillor Requests 7. Public Engagement The topic Region s 2018 Budget was launched on the online public engagement platform Engage Region of Waterloo on October 6, 2017 and the topic closed on November 22, The initiative had a total of 448 respondents from all across the Region. In addition to delegations at Budget Committee, this initiative was designed to allow members of the public an opportunity to provide feedback on how public facing Regional services are valued and whether current service levels represent good value for money. Feedback received through the online tool suggests that respondents generally agreed that the cost of Regional services to property tax payers in the Region provided good value for money. An information paper providing feedback results has been provided on this agenda on page Budget Schedule Appendix B provides a full calendar of meeting dates related to the 2018 Budget Process. Corporate Strategic Plan: The annual budget incorporates numerous initiatives set out in the Corporate Strategic Plan. Financial Implications: A 1% change in the tax rate results in a $19 annual change to the average residential property owner, based on a residential property assessed at $323,300 in A 1% tax rate increase generates an additional $5 million in tax revenue. Other Department Consultations/Concurrence: All departments and the Waterloo Regional Police Service are involved in the development of the Region of Waterloo Budget Section 6- Page 5 of 9

8 8 8 December 5, 2017 Report: COR-FSD Attachments: Appendix A Budget Issue Papers Appendix B 2018 Budget Schedule Prepared By: Cheryl Braan, Manager of Corporate Budgets Craig Dyer, Commissioner, Corporate Services/Chief Financial Officer Approved By: Mike Murray, Chief Administrative Officer Section 6- Page 6 of 9

9 9 9 December 5, 2017 Report: COR-FSD Appendix A Proposed Budget Issue Papers Region of Waterloo Summary of Proposed 2018 Budget Issue Papers ($ thousands) In Staff Recommended Priority Sequence 2018 operating budget impact capital plan impact sources of funding Page# Dept/Div Description Annualized Levy Impact Property taxes Reserves Capital User rates Other Property taxes RDC NO INCREMENTAL 2018 TAX LEVY IMPACT 1 COR/Facilities & Fleet Management 5 COR/Treasury Services Addition of 3.0 permanent FTEs to deliver renewal works projects as required in the current asset renewal plan Addition of one permanent FTE for a Cash Management and Investment Analyst position funded from incremental investment earnings 9 CSD/Child Care Ontario Early Years Child and Family Centres program staffing 11 CSD/Housing Services Convert 6 temporary staff to permanent 14 CSD/Seniors' Services Addition of 1.6 permanent FTEs (1.0 FTE to be a designated PSW for one-on-one support following admission of residents with risk behaviours to improve safety and alleviate pressure on the PSW staff pool and 0.6 FTE as a Recreation Assistant for the Behavioural Supports Program). 17 PDL/Legal Services (Prosecutor's office) 21 PHE/Infectious Disease, Dental, and Sexual Health Add 1 permanent FTE to POA Prosecution funded from increased POA revenue to address increased workload resulting from changes in early resolution legislation and mitigate lost revenue as a result Convert 2.0 FTEs to 3.1 FTEs to provide additional hours at no additional cost to assist in addressing the Ministry's increased requirements for vaccine related Public Health mandatory programming 23 HRC/Citizen Service Add 4.3 temporary FTEs in the Service First Call Centre to support the launch of ION revenue service for one year effective March 1, TES/Water Services Addition of 1.0 permanent Water Supervisor and 1.0 permanent Water Project Engineer (Water Services-Asset Management) to ensure continuation of operations and systems during the replacement of critical infrastructure and expansion of the asset management program $251 $117 $120 $106 $71 $232 $ Section 6- Page 7 of 9

10 10 10 December 5, 2017 Report: COR-FSD operating budget impact capital plan impact sources of funding Page# Dept/Div Description Annualized Levy Impact Property taxes Reserves Capital User rates Other Property taxes RDC INCREMENTAL 2018 TAX LEVY IMPACT 29 PHE/Paramedic Services Add 1-12 hour ambulance in accordance with the Paramedic Services master plan for 2018 and 1-12 hour ambulance which was deferred from 2017 as well as support positions 36 CSD/Seniors' Services Additional oversight resources at Sunnyside Home to improve current staffing ratios $1,245 $939 $1,099 $140 $70 39 CSD/Seniors' Services Addition of 0.25 Staff Development Coordinator to provide for more customized training related to the increasing medical complexity of residents $21 $10 41 TES/Transit Services Implementation of GRT business $2,689 $973 $2,504 $721 plan (an additional 35,000 service hours) 47 TES/Transit Services Address increasing demand for service and $523 $258 $409 $11 ensure AODA compliance by adding 2 expansion buses and technology upgrades as contemplated in the MobilityPLUS Business Plan 50 CSD/Employment & Income Support Additional funding for Discretionary Benefits $235 $ PHE/Emergency Management Office Procurement of Waterloo Region Emergency Notification System to notify residents and/or employees during an emergency or other significant event (note sharing of cost with Police) $60 $60 55 TES/Transit Services Replace the one-time provincial subsidy used $37 $27 to partially fund the Wilmot conventional transit route piloted in 2017 with the Regional tax levy 57 TES/Waste Reinstate drywall/pallet diversion program $116 $116 Management 60 TES/Transit Services Implementation of the proposed 2018 TDM and TravelWise initiatives as outlined in the TDM Program Plan $74 $74 64 PDL/Community Planning Funding for the Community Environmental Fund program $150 $150 Subtotal $5,290 $2,912 $1,116 $4,012 $ Section 6- Page 8 of 9

11 11 11 December 5, 2017 Appendix B 2018 Budget Schedule Report: COR-FSD PURPOSE OF THE BUDGET COMMITTEE SESSION PLANNED DATE and TIME 2018 Budget Process and Timetable June 20, 2017 Administration and Finance Committee 2018 Budget Overview (following Standing Committees) Preliminary Operating Budget and Capital Program October 24, 2017 (after Planning & Works Committee) Detailed Budget Review User Rate Operating Budget and Capital Program Tax Supported Operating Budget and Capital Program Budget issue papers GRCA presentation Public Input Session #1 November 22, :00 5:00 p.m. November 22, :00 p.m Budget update (following Standing Committees) Assessment growth Police Services presentation December 5, 2017 (after Planning & Works Committee) Public Input Session #2 December 5, :00 p.m Budget Approval Approval of 2018 Operating budgets and Capital Programs for all programs Approval of 2018 User Rates, Fees and Charges December 13, :00 5:00 p.m. Council 7 p.m Section 6- Page 9 of 9

12 12 12 Region of Waterloo Budget Committee 2018 Budget Information Paper Assessment Growth Budget Committee Date: December 5, 2017 The assessment base is a key component in determining municipal tax rates and budget and property tax impacts. Each year, through the budget process, Budget Committee is kept informed of the percentage increase in weighted assessment growth for the year. This Information Paper provides background on assessment growth, the revised assessment growth increase for 2018 and information on factors affecting the assessment base. Municipal Property Assessment Corporation The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) is an independent not-for-profit corporation funded by every municipality in Ontario. MPAC is responsible for assessing and classifying more than five million properties in Ontario in compliance with the Assessment Act and regulations set by the Provincial Government. MPAC is accountable to the public through a 13 member Board. The Board includes provincial, municipal and taxpayer representatives appointed by the Minister of Finance. The assessed values and classifications determined by MPAC, along with municipal revenue requirements and tax policies are used to calculate property taxes. In 2017, the Region of Waterloo paid $6.622 million for MPAC services for the Region and the Area Municipalities. Assessment Growth for 2018 The following table shows weighted assessment growth in 2017 for the 2018 budget by Area Municipality Section 6-1 of 9

13 13 13 The Regional Municipality of Waterloo Weighted Assessment Growth by Area Municipality * Area Municipality 2017 Roll 2017 Year End $ Change % Change Cambridge 19,117,920,740 19,310,996, ,076, % Kitchener 31,710,430,611 32,216,153, ,723, % Waterloo 20,070,549,459 20,851,559, ,009, % North Dumfries 2,052,809,068 2,079,037,818 26,228, % Wilmot 3,136,795,822 3,160,524,433 23,728, % Wellesley 1,515,268,284 1,546,784,284 31,516, % Woolwich 4,245,761,118 4,268,116,037 22,354, % Total Region 81,849,535,102 83,433,172,871 1,583,637, % * Excludes Exempt and PIL Properties; Year 1 Phase-in values Weighted assessment growth at 1.93% is slightly higher than the most recent estimate of 1.90% used for the purposes of the preliminary budget book and budget discussions on November 22, MPAC exceeded their growth projections significantly for 2017 in the three cities and the Region experienced lower than expected write-offs for the first year following a reassessment. Weighted assessment growth varies by Area Municipality from year to year depending on their relative assessment mix, development activity and assessment appeal activity occurring in each area municipality. The following chart shows weighted assessment at year end 2017 for the 2018 budget by Area Municipality. The cities account for 86.8% of weighted assessment in the Region with the townships accounting for the remaining 13.2% Section 6-2 of 9

14 14 14 Weighted Assessment by Area Municipality 2017 Year End The following table shows 2017 assessment growth for the 2018 budget by broad property class. The Regional Municipality of Waterloo Weighted Assessment Growth by Broad Property Class Property Class 2017 Roll 2017 Year End $ Change % Change Residential 54,539,171,802 55,784,322,473 1,245,150, % New Multi-Res 1,424,735,782 1,621,550, ,814, % Multi-residential 5,180,246,262 5,166,908,625 (13,337,637) -0.26% Commercial 16,303,988,994 16,545,421, ,432, % Industrial 3,718,271,890 3,633,006,262 (85,265,628) -2.29% Farmlands 476,188, ,621,729 (2,567,021) -0.54% Pipelines 203,270, ,491,210 1,220, % Managed Forest 3,660,865 3,850, , % Total Region 81,849,535,102 83,433,172,871 1,583,637, % * Excludes Exempt and PIL Properties; Year 1 Phase-in values Section 6-3 of 9

15 15 15 Weighted assessment growth in 2017 for the 2018 budget in the residential and new multiresidential property classes continues to be strong. Growth in the new multi-residential class continues to reflect multi-unit student housing containing suites where occupants have their own bedroom but share kitchen and bathroom facilities. Although weighted growth is positive for the Commercial class, there were significant assessment adjustments resulting from appeals. Similar to past years, weighted assessment for industrial properties continued to decline. The following chart shows weighted assessment at year end 2017 by broad property class. The residential property class accounts for almost 67% of weighted assessment followed by the commercial class at close to 20% and the multi-residential class at 6.2%. Factors Affecting Assessment Growth As noted in previous reports, building activity and building permit growth are not a true gauge of assessment growth. While strong building activity may indicate robust assessment growth, that is just one factor affecting the assessment base. Other factors, including reductions to the assessment base, also impact overall net growth. The assessment base is impacted by more than building activity. Assessment growth is a net position after accounting for the various factors that impact the assessment base. Cranes in the sky may imply strong assessment growth however, other actions may be occurring that offset some of the growth arising from new construction. Additionally, not all building permits result in increased assessment. Permits for interior finishes and small dollar value permits generally do not result in more assessment Section 6-4 of 9

16 16 16 The following table identifies the pluses and minuses that determine assessment growth. Starting Point: Returned Roll for the start of the year used to calculate weighted assessment Plus: Minus: Plus/Minus: End Point: Returned Roll for Next Year: New Properties Improved Properties Requests for Reconsideration Assessment Review Board (ARB) Appeals Demolitions Class Changes Legislative Changes Changes in valuation methodology Year end assessment used to determine weighted assessment growth for the year Year end assessment adjusted for assessment phase-in New and improved properties are additions to the assessment base while Requests for Reconsideration, ARB appeals and demolitions are reductions or write-offs. Class changes can have positive or negative impacts. Property classes have different tax ratios and weighted assessment is calculated based on current value assessment and the tax ratio for the property class. When properties move to a class with a lower tax ratio, there is a reduction in the weighted assessment base (e.g. multi-residential building converting to a condominium). When properties move to a class with a higher tax ratio there is an increase in the weighted assessment base (residential to multi-residential or exempt to taxable). For properties that move to a class with the same tax ratio (e.g. residential to new multi-residential or commercial to industrial), there is no impact on the weighted assessment base unless the current value assessment is impacted by the class change. Legislative changes and changes in valuation methodologies can have positive or negative impacts on the weighted assessment base however, such changes generally tend to reduce the assessment base as was the case with the change in valuation methodology for gravel pits Section 6-5 of 9

17 17 17 The following is a high level continuity of weighted assessment growth in Continuity of Weighted Assessment Growth in 2017 Weighted Assessment Start of ,849,535,102 % Impact Adjustments: Supplementary / Omitted Assessment 1,942,210, % Write-offs (ARB, RFR, Equity, PRANs) (358,573,198) -0.44% Net In Year Change for ,583,637, % Weighted Assessment end of ,433,172,871 For 2017, 1% weighted assessment growth equates to $818.5 million of new weighted assessment. As the assessment base increases, the value of 1% weighted assessment growth also increases. In 2012, 1% of weighted assessment growth equated to $643.3 million while in 2007, 1% of weighted assessment growth was $490.5 million. History of Assessment Growth Despite moderate to strong building activity in recent years, assessment growth has been declining year over year from until this year. The following chart shows weighted assessment growth for budget years 2000 to 2017 along with growth for History of Assessment Growth 4.00% 3.50% 3.00% 2.50% 2.00% 1.50% 1.00% 0.50% 0.00% 2.35% 1.92% % 3.29% 3.03% 3.12%2.99% % % 2.00% 1.84% 1.85% 1.93% 1.72%1.71%1.52% 1.34% 1.41% 1.34% Budget Year Section 6-6 of 9

18 18 18 The following table presents both a five year and ten year average of weighted assessment growth for each area municipality, for the townships and cities aggregated, and for the Region as a whole: 5 Year Average 10 Year Average Budget Years North Dumfries 1.46% 1.53% Cambridge 0.91% 1.19% Kitchener 1.47% 1.55% Waterloo 2.47% 2.16% Wilmot 1.35% 1.94% Wellesley 1.68% 2.29% Woolwich 1.60% 2.41% Cities 1.59% 1.62% Townships 1.51% 2.08% Region 1.58% 1.68% At a local level, the five year average weighted assessment growth in the townships (1.51%) and cities (1.59%) has been relatively close to the Regional average (1.58%). The pace of growth based on the ten year average has been modestly higher in the townships (2.08%) than in the cities (1.62%), with average Regional assessment growth at 1.68%. Detailed assessment growth information by budget year, area municipality, townships and cities aggregated, and the Region as a whole is provided in Appendix A Section 6-7 of 9

19 19 19 Assessment Base and Reassessment A province-wide reassessment was conducted in 2016 to update property values to reflect January 1, 2016 market conditions. As noted in the table on page 5 of this information paper, the returned roll is the starting point for in-year assessment growth. In year adjustments are made (pluses and minuses) resulting in year end assessment and determination of assessment growth. Reassessment or assessment phase-in is then applied to the year end assessment to establish the returned roll for the next taxation year. It is important to note that reassessment and phase-in impacts are separate from and not part of the determination of assessment growth. A separate report on the impacts of the second year of the reassessment, including class shifts will be provided to Administration and Finance Committee in early Section 6-8 of 9

20 20 20 Appendix A Detailed History of Assessment Growth 5 Year Average 10 Year Average Budget Year North Dumfries 3.79% -0.23% 1.24% 1.18% 2.03% 1.12% 1.20% 1.97% 1.71% 1.28% 1.46% 1.53% Cambridge 1.99% 1.30% 1.77% 1.38% 0.90% 1.19% 1.01% 0.95% 0.37% 1.01% 0.91% 1.19% Kitchener 1.27% 1.34% 2.08% 1.81% 1.69% 1.31% 1.51% 1.29% 1.65% 1.59% 1.47% 1.55% Waterloo 1.90% 1.04% 2.48% 2.12% 1.73% 2.92% 1.86% 1.75% 1.93% 3.89% 2.47% 2.16% Wilmot 3.31% 1.14% 2.84% 2.35% 2.98% 1.69% 1.39% 2.21% 0.71% 0.76% 1.35% 1.94% Wellesley 3.02% 2.06% 2.74% 4.45% 2.24% 1.99% 1.84% 1.39% 1.10% 2.08% 1.68% 2.29% Woolwich 2.78% 3.72% 2.87% 2.16% 4.54% 1.83% 2.50% 1.99% 1.14% 0.53% 1.60% 2.41% Cities 1.65% 1.25% 2.10% 1.77% 1.47% 1.71% 1.47% 1.32% 1.38% 2.09% 1.59% 1.62% Townships 3.17% 1.95% 2.52% 2.32% 3.28% 1.67% 1.84% 1.96% 1.12% 0.95% 1.51% 2.08% Region 1.84% 1.34% 2.15% 1.85% 1.72% 1.71% 1.52% 1.41% 1.34% 1.93% 1.58% 1.68% Section 6-9 of 9

21 21 21 Region of Waterloo Budget Committee 2018 Budget Information Paper Public Engagement Feedback Budget Committee Date: December 5, 2017 The Region s public engagement process with respect to budget includes two public input sessions at the November and December Budget Committee meetings and incorporates the use of an online feedback tool (Engage Region of Waterloo). The 2018 public engagement initiative was focussed determining how the public values the services that the Region provides. The online tool questionnaire was open from October 6 to November 22 and received a total of 448 responses (questionnaires completed). This report provides an overview of feedback results received. The online tool was structured in a question and answer format and was designed to ask one value for money question for a number of public facing services that the Region provides. For each service area, participants were provided a brief description of the service levels provided and the relative cost to the average taxpayer and asked whether the service provided good value for money. Participants were asked to provide their responses according to a five point scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Follow-up questions determined how much more a respondent would be willing to pay on their property tax bill and, if the service also had user fees, how much more in fees would a respondent be willing to pay for the service. One additional question asked participants what their preference was with respect to possible increases to property taxes in order to maintain or increase in service levels. A similar question was asked during the 2017 budget process. Demographic information about where respondents lived, how old they were, and whether they were homeowners or renter was also collected. By November 22, 2017, the Engage Region of Waterloo tool had 448 respondents. Responses for each service area question have been aggregated and provided in Appendix A. These rates of participation are higher than last year s rates (281 total respondents). The tool also included an open ended question asking whether there was anything else the respondent wanted Regional Council to consider in its deliberation of the budget. There were 265 responses to this question. Citizen Service has reviewed these responses and determined a number of unique themes. These results are presented in Appendix B. Complementing the online feedback tool, a video was Section 6-1 of 18

22 22 22 created and posted on Youtube which provided an overview of how a municipal budget is developed. This video received a total of 145 views and this total excludes those views where an individual didn t watch the video to the end. In addition to the quantifiable information collected, participants provided detailed, meaningful qualitative feedback which is a good indicator of citizen engagement. The initiative was promoted primarily through digital media channels such as: the Region s website, media, social media (Twitter, Facebook, Linked in) groups; digital signage; weekly local newspaper advertisements; and Region News. In an attempt to improve response rates in rural areas and with seniors, additional promotion of the initiative was made through the rural libraries. Response rates in those demographic groups, although rather low, were a marked improvement over The initiative is considered a success since it has reached more members of the public than last year and far more than previously through Public Input meetings in Council Chambers only. Although the input received does not constitute the results of a statistically significant survey, it is hoped that the feedback provided through this initiative will assist Budget Committee in its deliberations. Feedback results Overall, feedback received regarding the opportunity to provide input in an online format was positive. Response rates were the highest for those in years of age (41%), followed by those who were years of age (40%). Response rates from those over 65 years of age improved from 2% in 2017 to 11% in It is also encouraging to note that respondents participated from all seven area municipalities within the Region. The following tables outline some broad demographics of respondents to the online tool: Cam Kit Wat ND Wel Wil Woo blank Total % % % % blank % Subtotal % Homeowner Renter other blank Total % % % % blank % Subtotal % Section 6-2 of 18

23 23 23 There was general agreement that Regional Services provide good value for money. The following table provides the percentage of respondents that strongly agreed or agreed that the service area in question was good value for money, the percentage that had no opinion, and the percentage that disagreed that the cost of a service area was good value: Service* Strongly Agree & Agree Neither Agree nor Disagree Strongly Disagree & Disagree blank Library 72% 11% 17% 0% Culture 71% 18% 10% 1% Roads 60% 18% 20% 1% Transit 58% 15% 26% 1% Child Care 60% 25% 13% 2% Housing 59% 25% 13% 2% Seniors' 75% 19% 5% 2% Public Health 79% 14% 6% 2% Paramedic 84% 11% 4% 1% * presented in the order in which the service appeared in the survey The Region of Waterloo must balance the cost of delivering services with the amount that people are taxed. A final question asked respondents about a range of options regarding tax increases from whether they would be willing to pay more for improved or expanded services to reducing taxes and cutting services. Respondents were predominantly supportive of "increasing taxes enough to expand or improve services" (61%): Total Increase taxes just enough to maintain existing services 80 18% Increase taxes enough to expand or improve services % Not increase taxes and possibly reduce service levels 44 10% Reduce taxes and cut services 32 7% Don't know/not applicable 7 2% blank 13 3% Subtotal % Section 6-3 of 18

24 24 24 Appendix A Library Services Q1: The Region of Waterloo provides library services through 10 rural branches and pop-up libraries across the four rural townships. On average, library services are used over 1 million times per year, an average of 14.9 times per person. Services include book and material checkouts, and participation in various library programs. The Province of Ontario provides some money to the Region to deliver library services, and the Region pays the balance through property taxes. The 2017 cost for Library Services to the average residential property tax payer in North Dumfries, Wilmot, Wellesley and Woolwich townships is $81 per household. Approximately 72% of respondents agreed that the cost of library services is good value for money. ND Wel Wil Woo Total Strongly agree % Agree % Neither agree nor disagree % Disagree % Strongly disagree % Subtotal % Approximately 57% of respondents were willing to pay at least $2/year more on their property taxes to improve library services. These responses have been cross referenced against the respondent s relative usage of library services in the following table: Within the past 6 months 6 to 12 months ago 1 to 3 years ago Over three years ago Never $2/year more on my property tax bill % $4/year more on my property tax bill % Not willing to pay more % Subtotal % Total Section 6-4 of 18

25 25 25 Cultural Services Q2: The Region of Waterloo provides cultural services mainly through the Region of Waterloo Museum. This includes Doon Heritage Village, the Waterloo Region Hall of Fame, and Curatorial Centre. There are two smaller heritage sites known as Schneider Haus National Historic Site and McDougall Cottage. The Museum is open year round. On average, there are approximately 110,600+ visitors to these cultural sites every year, including 35,500 students. The Museum hosts numerous temporary exhibits and displays each year. Additionally, the Museums care for more than 53,000 artifacts of cultural significance to the Region, and provide valuable work experience to more than 100 students and 1,000+ volunteers annually. General admission fees at the Museum are $11 for an adult, $8 for students and seniors, and $5 per child and at Schneider Haus National Historic Site, general admission fees are $6 for an adult, $5 for students and seniors and $4 per child. Admission to McDougall Cottage is by donation. The Province of Ontario provides some money to the Region to deliver cultural services, and the Region pays for the balance of these costs with admission fees and through the property taxes it collects. The 2017 cost for cultural services to the average residential property tax payer in the Region of Waterloo is $37. Approximately 71% of respondents agreed that the cost of cultural services is good value for money: Total Strongly agree % Agree % Neither agree nor disagree 80 18% Disagree 34 8% Strongly disagree 12 3% blank 3 1% Subtotal % Section 6-5 of 18

26 26 26 Approximately 58% of respondents were willing to pay at least $1/year more on their property taxes to improve cultural services. These responses have been cross referenced against the respondent s relative usage of cultural services in the following table: Within the past 6 months 6 to 12 months ago 1 to 3 years ago Over three years ago Never blank Total $1/year more on my property tax bill % $3/year more on my property tax bill % Not willing to pay more % blank % Subtotal % A little over half of respondents (52%) were willing to pay at least $1more on the admission fee in order to improve cultural services. These responses have been cross referenced against the respondent s relative usage of cultural services in the following table: Within the past 6 months 6 to 12 months ago 1 to 3 years ago Over three years ago Never blank Grand Total $1 more on the admission fee % $2 more on the admission fee % Not willing to pay more % blank % Subtotal % Section 6-6 of 18

27 27 27 Roads Q3: The Region of Waterloo currently maintains 700 km of roadways and 170 bridges and is set to expand the network by 330 km by Regional roads are the main roads in the community with the most traffic. Many Regional roads are connected to Provincial Highways. Some examples of Regional roads include Weber Street, King Street, Erbs Road and Arthur Street. Maintenance work on roadways and bridges includes pothole patching, re-paving, rebuilding, grass cutting and snow removal activities. The federal government provides some money to the Region to repair and rebuild existing roads and bridges and the Region pays for the balance of these costs using the property taxes it collects. Growth in the community drives the need for new and expanded roadways. The cost to construct new and expanded Regional roads is partially paid for by fees developers are charged to create new lots. The Region pays the balance of these costs using the property taxes it collects. The 2017 cost for maintaining and expanding the Regional road network to the average residential property tax payer in the Region of Waterloo is $193. Approximately 60% of respondents agreed that the cost of the regional road network is good value for money: Cam Kit Wat ND Wel Wil Woo blank Total Strongly agree % Agree % Neither agree nor disagree % Disagree % Strongly disagree % blank % Subtotal % A little over half of respondents (52%) were willing to pay at least $5/year more on their property taxes to improve the regional road network. The following table cross references these responses with whether the respondent drove on regional roadway: Yes No Prefer not to say blank Total $5/year more on my property tax bill % $10/year more on my property tax bill % Not willing to pay more % blank % Subtotal % Section 6-7 of 18

28 28 28 Transit Services Q4: The Region of Waterloo provides public bus services in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge about every 10 to 15 minutes on busy routes and every 30 minutes on less busy routes. It also provides public bus routes into Woolwich and Wilmot townships. On average, up to 206 buses are in service during the day, providing public bus service to approximately 79,000 passengers per day. There are a number of passenger fares and discounts within the fare structure (page 8). The single trip cash fare is $3.25, however the typical adult rider uses a monthly pass which costs $86 per month or purchases a strip of five tickets for $13.80 (for a unit cost of $2.76 /trip). The Province of Ontario provides some money for operating a public transit system in our region. The Region of Waterloo pays the balance using passenger fares, advertising, other revenues, and the property taxes it collects. The 2017 cost to an average property tax payer in the Region of Waterloo for transit services depends on where you live. In the three cities, a residential property tax payer will pay on average $256 in The 2017 average residential property tax cost in Woolwich is $84, in Wilmot is $58, and in Wellesley and North Dumfries is $49. Approximately 58% of respondents agreed that the cost of transit services is good value for money: Cam Kit Wat ND Wel Wil Woo blank Total Strongly agree % Agree % Neither agree nor disagree % Disagree % Strongly disagree % blank % Subtotal % Section 6-8 of 18

29 29 29 Approximately 56% were willing to pay at least $5/year more on their property taxes to improve transit services. The following table and graph cross references these responses to how often the respondent used transit services: Daily Weekly Monthly A few times a year Never blank Total $5/year more on my property tax bill % $10/year more on my property tax bill % $20/year more on my property tax bill % Not willing to pay more % blank % Subtotal % Section 6-9 of 18

30 30 30 The following table and graph cross references responses to how much more in the transit fare the respondent was willing to pay to how often the respondent used transit services (multiple selections were possible): Daily Weekly Monthly A few times a year Never $0.75 more for a single trip $4 more on a monthly pass Not willing to pay more for a single trip Not willing to pay more for a monthly pass Subtotal Total Section 6-10 of 18

31 31 31 Child Care Q5: The Region of Waterloo has the responsibility for service and system management for licensed child care and early learning services for children from birth to 12 years of age. As part of this responsibility, the Region distributes funding to licensed child care programs from the Province of Ontario and from Region of Waterloo property taxes. Funding is provided to 141 local licensed child care programs of these, the Region operates five licensed child care centres and one licensed home child care agency. These programs provide licensed child care spaces for over 11,000 children. Demand for space continues to rise the current system only has enough room for around 20% of children aged 0-4. The Region also manages subsidies for licensed child care for lower income families. Current funding only subsidizes about 3,000 children each month. The 2017 cost for providing child care in our community to the average residential property tax payer in the Region of Waterloo is $35. Approximately 60% of respondents agreed that the cost of child care programs is good value for money: blank Total Strongly agree % Agree % Neither agree nor disagree % Disagree % Strongly disagree % blank % Subtotal % Section 6-11 of 18

32 32 32 Approximately 65% of respondents were willing to pay at least $1/year more on their property taxes for a greater number of subsidized child care spaces for lower income families in our community: Total $1/year more on my property tax bill 97 22% $2/year more on my property tax bill % Not willing to pay more % blank 10 2% Subtotal % Of the respondents who had a child in child care, 44% would be willing to pay at least $1/day more in their parent fee to obtain a licensed space in a Regionally-operated child care centre: Total $1/day more 22 16% $3/day more 17 12% $5/day more 22 16% Not willing to pay more 66 47% blank 13 9% Subtotal % Section 6-12 of 18

33 33 33 Housing Services Q6: The Region of Waterloo is responsible for providing affordable housing for those in our community who might currently be homeless and in need of help in finding stable housing and/or financial assistance. The federal government provides some money to the Region for these programs. Housing units are supplied by both Regionally-owned properties and non-profit cooperative providers. There is currently a waitlist of 3,432. The Region pays for the cost of delivering Housing programs using federal money, rental revenue, and property taxes collected. The 2017 cost for housing services to the average property tax payer in the Region of Waterloo is $153. Approximately 59% of respondents agreed that the cost of housing programs is good value for money: blank Total Strongly agree % Agree % Neither agree nor disagree % Disagree % Strongly disagree % blank % Subtotal % Approximately 66% of respondents were willing to pay at least $10/year more on their property taxes in order to improve the condition of community housing units. The following table cross references these responses with whether they or someone their family had ever used any of the Region s affordable housing programs: Within the past 6 months 6 to 12 months ago 1 to 3 years ago Over three years ago Never Prefer not to blank say $10/year more on my property tax bill % $20/year more on my property tax bill % Not willing to pay more % blank % Subtotal % Total Section 6-13 of 18

34 34 34 Seniors Services Q7: The Region operates Sunnyside Home, a 263 bed facility that includes long term care for seniors. The Region also provides community programming such as Community Alzheimer Programs, the Young Onset Dementia Association, Overnight Stay care, Supportive Housing and Homemaking Services. The cost of delivering these services is shared between resident fees based on their level of income, provincial grants and for some services, the property taxes that the Region collects. The 2017 cost for seniors services to the average property tax payer in the Region of Waterloo is $40. Approximately 74% of respondents agreed that the cost of seniors programs is good value for money: blank Total Strongly agree % Agree % Neither agree nor disagree % Disagree % Strongly disagree % blank % Subtotal % Approximately 71% of respondents were willing to pay at least $2/year more on their property tax bill for more seniors programming in our community. These responses were cross referenced with whether they or someone in their family had become a resident in a seniors home and the results are in the following table: Within the past 6 months 6 to 12 months ago 1 to 3 years ago Over three years ago Never Prefer not to blank say $2/year more on my property tax bill % $4/year more on my property tax bill % Not willing to pay more % blank % Subtotal % Total Section 6-14 of 18

35 35 35 Public Health Programs Q8: Public Health programs include health protection and investigation, infectious disease management, dental and sexual health, healthy living programs, and other child and family health programs. The main goal of Public Health is to build healthy and supportive communities in partnership, and prevent or reduce the burden of illness and disease. Services include, but are not limited to, food and water safety inspections, sexual health clinics, alcohol and drug use prevention and harm reduction, school immunization clinics, reproductive and family health support, breastfeeding support, infection control and reportable disease monitoring. The Province of Ontario subsidizes the cost of these public health programs by approximately 75 per cent. The remaining costs are paid for by the Region with the property taxes it collects. The 2017 cost for public health programs to the average property tax payer is $33. Approximately 79% of respondents agreed that public health programs were good value for money: Total Strongly agree % Agree % Neither agree nor disagree 61 14% Disagree 18 4% Strongly disagree 9 2% blank 8 2% Subtotal % Approximately 64% of respondents were willing to pay at least $2/year more on their property taxes to enhance public health programs within our community: Total $2/year more on my property tax bill % $4/year more on my property tax bill % Not willing to pay more % blank 9 2% Subtotal % Section 6-15 of 18

36 36 36 Paramedic Services Q9: Paramedic (Ambulance) Services provides pre-hospital care and transportation of sick and injured people within Waterloo Region. Paramedic Services aims to reach the most urgent calls the quickest, providing the right care at the right place and at the right time. Additional resources were added in 2016, which was one factor in helping to improve response times slightly from the same time period the previous year, even with an increase in call volume across the Region. The Province of Ontario subsidizes the cost of Paramedic Services by approximately 50 per cent. The Region pays for its share of the costs with the property taxes it collects. The 2017 property tax cost for Paramedic Services to the average property tax payer is $58. Approximately 84% of respondents agreed that paramedic services were good value for money: blank Total Strongly agree % Agree % Neither agree nor disagree % Disagree % Strongly disagree % blank % Subtotal % Approximately 79% of respondents were willing to pay at least $3/year more on their property tax bill ensure quality of care in a reasonable time. These responses were cross referenced with whether they or someone in their family had used paramedic services and the results are in the following table: Within the past 6 months 6 to 12 months ago 1 to 3 years ago Over three years ago Never blank Total $3/year more on my property tax bill % $6/year more on my property tax bill % Not willing to pay more % blank % Subtotal % Section 6-16 of 18

37 37 37 The Region of Waterloo must balance the cost of delivering services with the amount that people are taxed. Respondents were asked what level of increase they would prefer and the following table aggregates these responses by area municipality: Cam Kit Wat ND Wel Wil Woo blank Total Increase taxes just enough to maintain existing services % Increase taxes enough to expand or improve services % Not increase taxes and possibly reduce service levels % Reduce taxes and cut services % Don't know/not applicable % blank % Subtotal % Section 6-17 of 18

38 38 38 Appendix B - Open-Ended Question Q11: Is there anything else you want Regional Council to consider as they make their decision on the Region s 2018 budget? A number of unique themes were evident in the public s response to this question. These have been reviewed by Citizen Service and the results are summarized in the table below: Theme (referenced 3 or more times) Count Transit affordability 56 Improve services by becoming efficient 55 Focus on active transportation: Pedestrian/ cycling 34 Improve paramedic services 22 Taxes too high 19 Improve GRT 15 Improve affordable housing 10 Change how taxes are allocated 11 Improve budget consultation 9 Focus on road improvements 9 Review police spending 8 Review emergency services (i.e. paramedics, fire, police) 6 Improve traffic flow and coordination of road closures 5 Reduce staff salaries 5 Like online consultation 4 Improve Regional Libraries 4 Focus on service for low income 3 Taxes are appropriate for services received 3 LRT non support 3 Transit non support 3 subtotal 284 Number of unique themes identified in 265 responses Section 6-18 of 18

39 39 39 Region of Waterloo Budget Committee 2018 Budget Information Paper Councillor Requests Budget Committee Date: December 5, Haldimand County Permit to Take Water from Lake Erie The Region s Water Supply Master Plan identified that the need for additional water supply from Lake Erie was beyond the year One of the potential sources of this Lake Erie supply could be an existing supply under the responsibility of the Corporation of Haldimand County. The municipality renewed this permit to take water with Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in 2012 (expires in 2022) and maintained the permitted capacity at the full amount of 1,818 Million Litres per Day (MLD). 2. WREPNet Budget Committee requested that staff report back on the WREPNet network. Summary WREPNet is currently one of the most state of the art high speed fibre-optic region wide information networks in Canada. Collaboratively It is comprised of a strategic alliance of school boards, local governments, public libraries, post-secondary institutions, hospitals and social service agencies. Reliability As of today, there is no more reliable (99.9%) or capable connectivity for the Region and it has the best possible security for all of the partners. Cost The monthly cost per site with 24x7 monitoring is $769. A similarly capable connection delivered outside of WREPNet would be approximately $2,500 per month. Regulatory Ontario Regulation 170/03 requires the Region to have constant communication with Water Facility sites. At a primary site, any loss of communication greater than 5 minutes puts the Region out of compliance. Future In 3-5 years, SWIFT may be able to allow a third party provider to provide service at a lower cost Section 6-1 of 4