YOUR CITY. YOUR SAY.
2014 Budget Highlights Citizen Input Guide TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Introduction 2 Budget Development Process 4 Where Do Your Taxes Go? 5 Income and Services Overview 6 Tax Impact 7 2014 Budget Overview 8 Enhancements
9 10 11 12 20 21
Savings and Service Level Changes Capital Projects How Do We Compare? Department and Service Overviews Budget Best Practices Comment Sheet (see back pages)
www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget
About Port Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam is a community of 57,000 with a strategic location in Metro Vancouver, a healthy base of businesses, new commercial and industrial areas, 271 hectares of parkland including the 25-km Traboulay PoCo Trail, well-established neighbourhoods, and a strong sense of community spirit known as PoCo Pride. It also has a growing reputation for progressive governance and for its innovative approaches to managing waste, sustainable development and using technology to engage the community. Since it was incorporated on March 7, 1913, Port Coquitlam has experienced significant growth and has strived to remain relevant to the changing times. At the same time, the City has retained its smalltown charm, its authentic historic downtown core, and a tradition of community involvement. The City strives to balance social, environmental and economic values while fulfilling the priorities set by our citizens. Our annual budget public consultation is an example of how we engage the community in our City’s governance.
City Services City Council represents the citizens of Port Coquitlam, provides leadership, establishes City policies and priorities, and reviews and establishes budget levels. Reporting directly to Council is the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Six City departments report to the CAO: Corporate Support, Development Services, Engineering & Operations, Finance, Fire & Emergency Services, and Parks & Recreation. Policing Services are provided by the Coquitlam RCMP.
Vision:
Mission:
Port Coquitlam is a happy, vibrant, safe community with healthy, engaged residents and thriving businesses, supported by sustainable resources and services.
We strive to do it right by researching, planning, building and executing wellbalanced solutions.
2014 Budget Highlights
Introduction JULY 2013
About the Financial Plan
Council confirms priorities for 2014 Budget
The City updates its five-year financial plan every year to ensure the City’s finances are managed responsibly and reflect the priorities identified by the community.
NOV 2013
The financial plan, which includes the current year’s budget and taxes, sets out the planned services and initiatives for the next five years and how the City will pay for them.
Departments present 2014 business plans and budget submissions
By law, BC municipalities must: • prepare a five-year financial plan each year, • identify proposed expenditures, funding sources and transfers to and between funds, • engage the public in a consultation process before adopting the plan, and • have the plan adopted by City Council before May 15.
DEC 2013 Council approves draft budget for public consultation
Having a financial plan provides City staff with clear direction and the authority to pay for services for Port Coquitlam citizens, and ensures City staff are accountable to the citizens.
JAN 2014 Public consultation (deadline January 31) Council considers Water and Sewer Rate Bylaw
FEB 2014 Council considers Financial Plan Bylaw Utility bills mailed
APRIL 2014 Council considers 2014 tax rates
MAY 2014 Property tax bills mailed
Have Your Say Your feedback to the proposed 20142018 Financial Plan will be critical to the City’s final deliberations. Provide your feedback by January 31:
Your input is important! See pages 6-10 for proposed taxes and service changes
• To budget@portcoquitlam.ca or 604.927.5280, • In writing to City Hall, 2580 Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam, V3C 2A8 or by fax to 604.927.5403, • By filling out the comment sheet at the back of this booklet and either dropping it off to City Hall or faxing it to 604.927.5403. • To the year-round online Budget Suggestion Box at www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget. Public meetings The public may also attend and provide comment at Committee and Council meetings. For schedules of upcoming meetings, visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget.
Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget
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Budget Development Process Role of the Corporate Strategic Plan Port Coquitlam’s Vision 2020 Corporate Strategic Plan was adopted in June 2011. The plan outlines the community’s vision for the future and will guide the City’s policy, operations and financial decisions through to 2020. The City’s budget decisions are aligned with Vision 2020’s five strategic outcomes: • Sustainable Future – this outcome appreciates the need to sustain city services, the environment and the community into the future. It is intended to leave for future generations the means to maintain the services provided today, and to sustain our natural setting and social needs. • Sense of Community – this outcome appreciates our community spirit. A friendly face on the street, healthy residents and community celebrations identify us and make our City a happy place to live, work and play. • Economic Strength – this outcome appreciates the business community. It recognizes the importance of the businesses in the City and the benefits realized by our residents and businesses.
• Community Well-being – these are the services provided by the City to the community. Protective services, utilities and parks are important to our quality of life. • Strategic Service Delivery – this outcome focuses on the delivery of our municipal services. A balanced approach ensures the service delivery model supports staff and the community.
Corporate Financial Goal That the City work towards full annual funding of operations, maintenance, growth and asset depletion applying the following measures: • Limit addition of new services or programs for the next five years. • Apply only sustainable service and program cuts to reduce annual tax rate increases. • Set funds aside for long term financial needs including the infrastructure gap, growth and opportunities.
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• Pursue revenues to offset funding needs. • Apply new revenues to reduce tax rates only if assured, sustainable, stable and incremental. • Maintain transparency and accountability to the community by communicating developments with the strategy at each Committee and Council session on the budget. That once the service levels are set, the budget contains the necessary inflationary increases to maintain the remaining services.
2014 Budget Highlights
Budget Development Process Factors Affecting the Plan A variety of factors affect each year’s financial planning process. Council Priorities Council sets priorities that guide the budget and delivery of City services. In 2013, Council directed staff to focus on three priorities that grew from the Corporate Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan has a large number of directions and desired outcomes; targeting a few priorities at a time enable the City to meet its goals more effectively. These priorities will change as the needs of the community evolve. The three priorities are: Develop the organization and increase employee engagement in order to improve customer service, Maximize the life of infrastructure assets (e.g. roads and buildings) and save for their replacement, and •
Planning for the future redevelopment of the aging Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex, Seniors Centre and adjoining City owned lands.
The City sets aside 1% of tax revenue each year to save for infrastructure replacement.
Other Factors Various other factors affect each year’s plan – both positively and negatively. For 2014, the City is seeing additional revenue from development in the community and well as department revenuegenerating initiatives. At the same time, expenses have increased due to labour contracts, a rise in RCMP costs, inflation, and costs related to decisions from last year – such as hiring new firefighters. The City also continues to dedicate 1% of tax revenue for infrastructure replacement.
Looking Ahead The City has begun to set aside funds for longterm needs and our reserves are building. Port Coquitlam has adopted a proactive and financially prudent strategy of saving for the future replacement of infrastructure assets – including roads, buildings and equipment – while establishing plans and practices to maximize their lifespan.(e.g. preventative maintenance).
Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget
City funds are also required to provide multifaceted municipal services to support today’s needs, and to plan for upgrades to facilities and expansion of services to accommodate future needs.
Did you know? Cities only have three main sources of revenue: property taxes, utility fees and user fees. Taxes make up more than 90% of City revenue.
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Where Do Your Taxes Go? The City provides a variety of valuable services to the community.
sustainable growth, economic development and land use management.
Water supply, sewer discharge, solid waste removal, parks, recreation and cultural facilities and programs provide for the health of the community. Fire, police, transportation networks and bylaw services provide for community safety. Development services, transportation networks and environmental services provide for
The average single-family dwelling assessed at $528,935 spends approximately $240 per month for a wide range of City services. This is good value when compared to other household costs, such as utilities and strata fees. Compare with other cities: page 11.
Water & Sewer: $61.08/month
Policing: $38.40/month
Parks & Recreation: $31.90/month
Fire & Emergency Services: $27.54/month
Infrastructure Funding: $21.49/month
Administrative Services: $20.92/month
Garbage Collection: $14.69/month
Debt Repayment: $9.03/month
Engineering Services: $15.36/month
Total: $240.41/month 4
2014 Budget Highlights
Income and Services Overview Income Sources
Policing 1% Tax Penalties & Interest 1% Development Services 1% Developers’ Contributions 1% Corporate Support 1% CIP Funding* 1% Investment Interest 1%
Parks & Recreation 5% Engineering 7% Sewer 8%
Water 12%
Taxation 61%
* Capital Improvement Program Funding (Grants, Developer Cost Charges etc.)
Services Provided Finance 3%
Development Services 3%
For details about City services see pages 12-19. Fiscal Services 1% Parks & Recreation 20%
Corporate Support 6% Sewer 9%
Water 12%
Policing 18%
Fire & Emergency 13%
Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget
Engineering 15%
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Tax Impact
What you’ll pay in 2014 Change in sewer & solid waste levies: 0%
-0.34% change in property taxes
Change in water levy: 2.3%
Port Coquitlam property owners pay separate property tax and utility bills. The amounts for both bills are combined in the charts below to show the full impact on a household. Property Taxes The City’s residential property tax rates in 2014 are proposed to decrease by 0.34%, which would mean that property taxes for the average single-family home would be $6.71 less than in 2013.Taxes would be $5.28 less for the average townhouse and $3.10 less for the average apartment. These calculations use the value of a “representative house” in 2013 as defined by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. The proposed property tax rate will be applied equally on a percentage basis to all property classifications. Utility User Fees
levies are flat annual user fees, and are the same for each single-family dwelling. Townhouse and apartments have lower water and sewer rates, and do not pay a solid waste levy because they use private garbage collection services. The proposed water levy increase is noted below. No increase in sewer levy is proposed for 2014. Also, for the fifth year, no increase is proposed to the solid waste levy, as rising landfill fees have been offset by diversion of waste into blue and green carts. Water and sewer user fees are set and approved by Council prior to the approval of the financial plan in order to meet billing deadlines in early 2014. The City’s Cost Recovery Policy states that user fees are to be set to recover the full cost of services, unless Council determines a subsidy is in the general public interest.
Water, sewer and solid waste (garbage/green cart)
Average Single-family Dwelling Assessed at $528,935 Property Taxes Water Levy Sewer Levy Solid Waste Levy Total
2013 $1,982.28 417.00 306.00 176.30 $2,881.58
Proposed 2014 $1,975.57 427.00 306.00 176.30 $2,884.87
$ Change -$6.71 10.00 $3.29
Average Townhouse Assessed at $393,072 Property Taxes Water Levy Sewer Levy Total
2013 $1,560.93 391.00 287.00 $2,238.93
Proposed 2014 $1,555.65 400.00 287.00 $2,242.65
$ Change - $5.28 9.00 $3.72
Average Apartment Assessed at $263,157 Property Taxes Water Levy Sewer Levy Total 6
2013 $915.89 371.00 272.00 $1,558.89
Proposed 2014 $912.79 380.00 272.00 $1,564.79
$ Change - $3.10 9.00 $5.90 2014 Budget Highlights
2014 Budget Overview The 2014 budget was built around three main priorities and a variety of other factors (described on page 3). The three priorities are: to develop the organization in order to improve customer service, to maximize the life of infrastructure
assets (e.g. roads and buildings) and save for their replacement, and to plan for the future redevelopment of 15 acres of the aging Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex, Seniors Centre and adjoining City owned lands. 2014
$ cost /SFD
% cost/SFD
increase/decrease increase/decrease increase/decrease
Base tax rate (with commitments, incl. 1% infrastructure levy) Enhancements Savings and efficiencies Reduced transfers to reserve funds New revenue generation Adjusted tax rate
$620,960
$22.84
1.15%
$345,600 -494,000 -593,900 -61,000
12.71 -18.17 -21.84 -2.24
0.64% -0.92% -1.10% -0.11%
-$182,340
-$6.70
-0.34%
SFD = single-family dwelling
Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget
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Proposed Enhancements Recreation Complex Site Planning The one-time enhancements include planning for the future redevelopment of the aging Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex, Seniors Centre and adjoining City owned lands. A variety of recreation, civic and other uses are being considered for this prime downtown property. Visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/recplan for more information.
Proposed One-time Enhancements The draft budget includes one-time enhancements that would be funded through
surplus accounts and therefore have no impact on 2014 property taxes.
Recreation Complex site planning
$250,000
Land and Special Projects Manager
100,000
Centennial Pool maintenance reserve contribution
250,000
Energy conservation improvements – various City facilities
115,900
Human Resources – soundproofing of walls to ensure privacy
30,000
UV secondary water treatment – improve Hyde Creek air/water quality
30,000
Official Community Plan – full update
30,000
Restoration of antique fire truck
20,000
Startup costs for food scraps pilot project
45,000
Automatic licence plate recognition system - to assist with parking enforcement
17,000
Budget public consultation Total
8,300 $896,200
Proposed Ongoing Enhancements Proposed ongoing service enhancements to be funded in the 2014 budget are as follows: Building maintenance – additional annual funding to extend building life RCMP – one additional officer Self-Help Matching Program – increase in community improvement grants Total
2014 cost
$ cost /SFD
% cost/SFD
$180,000
$6.62
0.33%
145,600
5.35
0.27%
20,000
0.74
0.04%
$345,600
$12.71
0.64%
SFD = single-family dwelling
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2014 Budget Highlights
Proposed Savings and Service Level Changes Almost $500,000 in savings and service level changes and $61,000 in revenue generation opportunities are proposed for the 2014 budget in order to balance rising costs with community priorities. The City recognizes that some of the proposed service level changes will have a visible impact
on services to the community. However, these changes are being considered to reduce the increase in tax rates required to meet community needs. Your feedback on the proposed changes is vital to Council balancing community needs with tax increases.
Proposed Savings and Service Level Changes 2014 savings
$ cost / SFD
% cost/ SFD
-$35,000
-$1.29
-0.06%
-8,100
-0.30
-0.02%
CAO contingency fund
-23,500
-0.86
-0.04%
Corporate Office – service reduction
-36,000
-1.32
-0.07%
Vector Control – service reduction
-70,000
-2.57
-0.13%
Bridge inspections – eliminate non-engineer visual inspections
-7,800
-0.29
-0.01%
Intersection traffic lights – reduction of routine monitoring
-8,200
-0.30
-0.02%
Engineering technician – eliminate vacant position
-90,200
-3.32
-0.17%
Municipal Insurance Association claims budget – reduce deductible portion
-20,000
-0.74
-0.04%
Naturalize peripheral (not in active use) areas at Birchwood, Castle, Chelsea, Cedar, Citadel, Robert Hope parks and the cemetery
-33,300
-1.22
-0.06%
Janitorial service – reduce service in some buildings (primarily non-public)
-50,500
-1.86
-0.09%
Leigh Square customer service – reduction of public hours
-53,800
-1.98
-0.10%
Offside Youth Centre – reduction of hours in off-peak times
-32,600
-1.20
-0.06%
-25,000
-0.92
-0.05%
-$494,000
-$18.17
-0.92%
Solicit sponsorship of dog waste bags provided at parks
2014 savings -$26,000
$ cost / SFD -$0.95
% cost/ SFD -0.05%
West Coast Express – fee for parking at Rec Complex Total
-35,000 -$61,000
-1.29 -$2.24
-0.06% -0.11%
Human Resources – reallocate funds from vacant position CAO car allowance
Parks & Recreation – apply Development Cost Charges to parks planning Total
Proposed Revenue Generation
Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget
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Capital Projects The 2014 Capital Program provides approximately $12.5 million to support infrastructure renewal, community safety, sports, culture and the environment. RN = renewal
RP = replacement Water Infrastructure
Equipment Engineering & Operations fleet replacement Parks & Recreation fleet replacement Recreation facility/program updating Parks & Recreation equipment replacement New waste carts Parks – smal projects Subtotal
RP
$845,000
RP RP
$274,000 $180,300
RP
$33,000
RN RP
$20,000 $10,400 $1,362,700
Transportation Infrastructure Road Rehabilitation – capital improvements Major Road Network pavement rehabilitation Kingsway – Coast Meridian Road to Mary Hill Bypass completion Coast Meridian Road at Coquitlam – traffic signal Storm Sewer Modeling & Drainage Study Sidewalk Improvement Program – Citywide Capital project administration Traffic Safety Improvement Program – major Victoria Drive – Coast Meridian Road to Cedar – upgrade Downtown Pedestrian Improvement Program Traffic Safety Improvement Program – minor Pitt River Intertidal Habitat Compensation Project Prairie Avenue functional review Street Lighting Improvement Program City-owned Bus Shelter Program Wheelchair accessible bus stops Subtotal
RP $2,443,400 RP
$423,700
New $320,000 New $250,000
Sanitary sewer pump station rehabilitation and upgrading Sanitary sewer main rehabilitation Sewer utility – pump station electrical/ telemetry upgrades GIS mapping enhancements Aerial photographs for PoCoMAP Subtotal
Water Mains – cast iron and AC replacements High pressure water main construction PRV SCADA equipment GIS mapping enhancements program Aerial photographs for PoCoMAP Subtotal
Parks Infrastructure
$250,000
RP
$200,000
RP
$149,300
RN
$100,000
RP
$100,000
RN
$50,000
RP
$50,000
Building maintenance
RP
$50,000
Lighting retrofit – RCMP Building Subtotal
RP RP New New
$50,000 $40,000 $35,000 $25,000 $4,536,400
RN
$352,000
RN
$161,000
RP
$50,000
RP RP
$12,500 $7,000 $582,500
RN $1,292,800 RN RN RP RP
$303,300 $39,000 $12,500 $7,000 $1,654,600
Information Technology Infrastructure
Storage – City hard drive Software – recreation Software – Agresso – financial Personal computers Fiber optic network Servers Voice Over Internet Protocol Subtotal
RP
Sewer Infrastructure
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A tax increase of $19.82 per single-family dwelling (1%) is also proposed to address the City’s future infrastructure replacement needs.
Athletic field upgrades Park and playground upgrades and renewals Trail construction and upgrades Self Help Matching Grant Program Community beautification and greenway Subtotal
Buildings
Fire
Total Capital Projects
Land
$250,000 $165,000 $150,000 $60,000 $50,000 $30,000 $10,000 $715,000
RN
$498,300
RN
$264,300
RN RP RP
$131,500 $40,000 $26,800 $960,900
RP/ RN RP
Fleet replacement Equipment replacement – Jaws of Life Subtotal Land acquisitions Subtotal
RP RP RN RP RP RN RP
RP RP
$480,000 $28,600 $508,600 $960,000 $31,000 $991,000
New $1,219,900 $1,219,900 $12,531,600
2014 Budget Highlights
How Do We Compare? Each year, Port Coquitlam property owners pay lower municipal taxes and user fees (utilities, garbage collection, etc.) than the average Metro Vancouver taxpayer for the same or similar City
services. These figures reflect the most recent completed tax year and are based on an average single-family dwelling valued at $510,628 in 2013.
2013 Property Taxes Port Coquitlam $2,022
D M ap elta le Ri Pi tt dg M e Ci e ty ado of w La s ng le La y ng ley Su rre y
W es tV an co Va uve nc r P ou Ne ort ver Di w W Mo o str e ict stm dy in o Ci f No ster ty r of th V No an rth . Va Av n. er Co age qu itl a Bu m rn ab Po Rich y rt m Co on qu d itl am
Metro Vancouver average $2,183
Source: Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
2013 Residential User Fees Port Coquitlam $899
W Di es str t V ict an of cou No ve rth r V Ne Ric an. h w W mo n es tm d in ste La r n Va gle nc y ou v Av er er Pi a tt M ge e Po ado rt ws M oo dy De lta Ci S ty u of rre Ci y L ty of ang le N Po orth y rt Co Van qu . it Co lam q M uitl a ap le m Ri dg Bu e rn ab y
Metro Vancouver average $1,003
Source: Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget
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Department Overview: Corporate Support and Office of the Chief Administrative Officer Information Services 22%
Office of the CAO 6% Bylaw Services 23%
Human Resources 17%
Corporate Office 10%
Communications & Administrative Services 22%
6% of total City budget 2014 budget: $4,635,000
Key Responsibilities • Directs and coordinates the activities of all departments • Communications, legislative and human resources functions • Bylaw enforcement • Technology and online services • Council meetings, City records and elections
2014 Highlights Divisions
• Pursue new revenue sources.
• Bylaw Services
• Complete second phase of website update.
• Communications & Administrative Services
• Improve system for regulating dangerous or aggressive dogs.
• Corporate Office
• Promote voter turnout for election.
• Human Resources
• Succession planning departures/retirements
• Information Services
for
staff
• Implement new financial system.
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2014 Budget Highlights
Department Overview: Development Services Business Improvement 8%
Administration 15%
Planning 25%
Building 52%
3% of total City budget 2014 budget: $2,288,300
Key Responsibilities • Manage the growth and development of the City. • Institute sustainable and integrated land use and development application policies. • Provide guidance on land use and development matters. • Promote economic development. • Liaise with First Nations, Business Improvement Association and Chamber of Commerce.
Divisions • Planning (including Economic Development, Social Planning and Heritage functions) • Building (including Plumbing)
Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget
2014 Highlights • Manage planning of Recreation Complex site. • Conduct comprehensive update of the Official Community Plan. • Enhance web and printed information for businesses and developers. • Reduce waiting times for building permits. • Improve access to permit and inspection records.
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Department Overview: Engineering & Operations Engineering, Projects & Mapping 6% Transportation Infrastructure 2%
& Planning 4%
Operations – Roads, Drainage and Solid Waste 88%
15% of total City budget 2014 budget: $11,172,800
Key Responsibilities • Municipal infrastructure management and maintenance • Transportation planning and operations • Environmental planning • Solid waste collection • Stormwater collection and flood control • Engineering customer services • Geomatics
Divisions • Operations – Roads, Drainage and Solid Waste • Transportation • Engineering, Projects & Mapping • Infrastructure & Planning
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2014 Highlights • Obtain Canadian Pacific Railway approval for new Shaughnessy Street pedestrian and cycling underpass. • Develop roundabout / traffic circle program. • Develop Integrated Management Plan.
Stormwater
• Integrate 2014 orthophoto into PoCoMAP and develop standalone PoCoMAP to support Emergency Operations Centre.
2014 Budget Highlights
Department Overview: Finance Purchasing 15%
Finance Services 63%
Common Services 22%
3% of total City budget 2014 budget: $2,637,400
Key Responsibilities • Provides financial services to citizens, City Council and City Departments, including: financial planning, accounting, payroll, purchasing and revenue collection • Administrates operating funds • Risk management (insurance)
Divisions
2014 Highlights
• Purchasing
• Implement MyPortCoquitlam system for online property/tax bills access.
• Common Services
• Implement new financial system.
• Finance Services
• Obtain Government Finance Officer Association awards for financial reporting and budget. • Continue to plan for long-term infrastructure replacement.
Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget
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Department Overview: Fire & Emergency Services Emergency Program 1% Administration 5% Training 2%
Protective Services & Public Education 16%
Fire Suppression 76%
13% of total City budget 2014 budget: $9,418,700
Key Responsibilities • Protect lives and property of citizens from the adverse affects of fire, sudden medical emergencies and exposure to dangerous conditions or disasters.
Divisions • Administration • Protective Services • Fire Suppression • Training • Emergency Preparedness
2014 Highlights • Development of new recruiting guidelines and testing procedures. • Restructure Capital Plan for fleet apparatus to ensure sustainability. • Develop methods for providing updated maintenance for No. 2 Firehall. • Develop succession plan training model.
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2014 Budget Highlights
Department Overview: Parks & Recreation Centralized Services 5%
Parks and Facility Services 31%
Recreation Services 64%
20% of total City budget 2014 budget: $15,345,100
Key Responsibilities • Provide recreation, fitness, active living, arts and cultural programming. • Coordinate volunteers and events. • Manage and maintain recreation and cultural facilities, parks and other amenities. • Plan and design parks / open space systems. • Manage the City’s facility preventative maintenance and lifecycle programs.
Divisions
2014 Highlights • Complete Lions Park washroom, pathway and playground upgrades. • Shorten tree cutting permit process.
• Recreation Services
• Review and update Cultural Policy and Plan.
• Parks & Facility Management Services
• Establish Social Marketing Strategy.
• Parks & Recreation Centralized Services
• Review/update facility maintenance standards and accessibility policies.
Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget
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Department Overview: Policing Public Safety Building 19%
Community Policing 1%
RCMP 80%
18% of total City budget 2014 budget: $13,546,700
Key Responsibilities • Reduce crime and protect citizens from the adverse effects of criminal activity. • Identify and address emerging public safety issues. • Work in partnership with the City and citizens to ensure Port Coquitlam is a healthy, vibrant and safe community.
Divisions • RCMP • Public Safety Building • Community Policing
2014 Highlights • Add one new police officer. • Introduce Business Watch and City Watch programs. • Reduce signal crimes and collisions. • Cross-train with stakeholders to strengthen investigations. • Re-assign admin work to civilians to keep “boots on street.”
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2014 Budget Highlights
Service Overview: Utilities Utilities are the water and sewer services provided by the City in support of a healthy community. Property owners receive a separate utility bill each February.
Sewer 9%
Water 12%
The majority of budgeted expenditures are flow-through costs for water supply and sewer discharge services provided by Metro Vancouver.
21% of total City budget Water Utility Operating Costs 26%
Function Water Purchased 74%
• Provides a supply of high quality, potable water, at flows and pressures suitable for fire protection.
2014 Highlights • Complete Water Quality Report.
2014 budget: $8,821,100
• Evaluate results of first year of participation in nation-wide benchmarking initiative for the Water Utility.
Sewer Utility Function Operating Costs 30%
Sewage Treatment 70%
• Provides for the collection and disposal of liquid wastes.
2014 Highlights • Convert additional sanitary pump telemetry systems to radio to reduce costs.
2014 budget: $6,445,100
Info and feedback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget
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Budget Best Practices The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) presented a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to City of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia for its annual budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2013. In order to receive this award, a governmental unit must publish a budget document that meets program criteria as a policy document, as an operations guide, as a financial plan, and as a communications device.
The City of Port Coquitlam has won the Distinguished Budget Award for 16 years in a row.
This award is valid for a period of one year only. We believe our current budget continues to conform to program requirements, and we are submitting it to GFOA to determine its eligibility for another award. This is the City of Port Coquitlam’s 16th Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The City believes our budget process continues to conform to program requirements and will be submitting the current budget for consideration.
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2014 Budget Highlights
Comment Sheet Fill out the survey below or online at www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget by January 31. Send completed survey to: City of Port Coquitlam - Finance Fax: 604.927.5403 2580 Shaughnessy Street Email: budget@portcoquitlam.ca Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2A8 Phone: 604.927.5280 1. Do you support a 1 - 1.5% property tax increase in 2014 (approx. $25/household) to help fund the replacement of the aging Rec Complex and Seniors Centre? Yes No For more information visit www.portcoquitlam/recplan
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2. Do you feel that you get good value for your tax dollars in Port Coquitlam? Excellent Overall Services
Needs Good Adequate Improvement
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Additional comments: Water and Sewer Additional comments: Roads Additional comments: Garbage, Recycling and Green Cart Additional comments: Fire Services Additional comments: Police Services Additional comments: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities Additional comments: Building / Inspections / City Planning Additional comments:
3. If you could reduce or eliminate one service provided by the City in exchange for lower taxes, what would it be and why?
Continued on reverse 21
We welcome your comments Use this detachable comment sheet to provide your feedback to the proposed 2014-2018 Financial Plan. Detach and submit with any other Financial Plan feedback to the Finance Department, or fill out our survey online at www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget City of Port Coquitlam - Finance 2580 Shaughnessy Street Port Coquitlam, British Columbia Canada V3C 2A8
Fax: 604.927.5403 Email: budget@portcoquitlam.ca Phone: 604.927.5280
Please begin comment sheet on reverse. 4. If you could impove one service provided by the City, recognizing that it could increase taxes, what would it be and why?
5. Are you satisfied with the budget information available to you this year?
Yes
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No
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Website
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Please explain why:
6. How do you prefer to receive budget information?
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7. Use the space below for additional comments on the proposed budget.
Your Contact Information (Optional) First and last name: Phone number: Email address:
p I would like to receive the City’s e-Update newsletters by email. Info and feeback: www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget
Newspaper
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