NANAIMO – Nanaimo City Council has adopted the City’s 2017-2021 Financial Plan. The plan’s adoption allows Council to set spending limits for programs and services for the next five years. Staff will now proceed forward in developing work plans for 2017 and preparing for 2017 capital projects.
Highlights include:
- The total 2017 budget is $171 million – $137 million to fund annual operations and $34 million to fund capital projects.
- A 1.5 per cent increase in property taxes for 2017 and user fee increases of 5 per cent for sewer, 7.5 per cent for water and 2 per cent for solid waste collection.
- A $964,000 increase to the annual contribution to the general asset management reserve.
- The creation of a new Strategic Infrastructure Reserve and the transition of a portion of general revenues to the new reserve over four years. The new reserve will provide a sustainable funding source for the City’s strategic projects.
- Provides $179 million in funding over the next five years for infrastructure renewal and upgraded infrastructure to maintain current service levels for City residents and businesses.
- Provides funding for Council’s strategic priorities and key initiatives including $6.3 million for development of south downtown waterfront access, $1 million for Georgia Avenue Greenway pedestrian and cycling amenities and $200,000 to develop an Affordable Housing Strategy and Social Wellness Strategy.
- Provides funding for new amenities including $2.6 million for Harewood Centennial Park multi use facility and $8 million for new pedestrian, cycling and transit amenities (including Georgia Avenue Greenway) identified in the Transportation Master Plan.
