MINUTES - Budget Committee - 19990120
TOWN OF AURORA
BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
NO. 02-99
1999 OPERATING BUDGET REVIEW
DRAFT #2
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Wednesday, January 20, 1999
7:00 p.m.
ATTENDANCE
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Mayor Jones in the Chair; Councillors Griffith,
Hartwell, Hinder, Hogg, McKenzie, Morris, and West.
Councillor McKenzie was absent due to illness, and
Councillor Healy was absent due to family
commitment.
OTHER ATTENDEES Acting Chief Administrative Officer/Director of
Corporate Services, Director of Planning, Director of
Building Administration, Director of Leisure Services,
Director of Public Works, Fire Chief, Treasurer,
Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Prevention Officer, Accounting
Co-ordinator, Manager of Engineering Services and
Operations Manager.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Mayor Jones declared an interest in Report TR99-01-010 regarding 1999 Operating
Budget Draft #2 for the portion of Corporate Services Department budget respecting By-
law Services due to the employment of his spouse in that Department and did not take
part in or vote on any questions in this regard or attempt in any way to influence the
voting on such questions.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
#1. Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT the content of the Agenda be approved as outlined herein.
CARRIED
PRESENTATIONS
R E P O R T
Aurora Budget Committee Report No. 02-99 Page 2
Wednesday, January 20, 1999
Barbara Cribbett, Treasurer re: Overview of 1999 Operating Budget - Draft #2
The Treasurer presented an overview of the Operating Budget Submission Draft #2,
listing various updates and revisions from Draft #1. A number of statistics, which formed
the basis for the preliminary budget were outlined. The substantive changes made to
the preliminary draft by staff were outlined. The committee was advised that the budget
had progressed from an initial shortfall of $480,058 to a surplus of $137,532, thereby
allowing the opportunity for consideration of increased service levels. Each of the
proposed service level adjustments were reviewed. Potential sources of additional
revenue as identified by staff were highlighted. A number of long range considerations
affecting future budgets were outlined including the impacts associated with
reconstruction of a new library, the need to fund certain reserve accounts from sources
other than annual surpluses, funding levels for equipment reserves and potential
increases for garbage related costs. A number of recent developments impacting on
budget finalization were then reviewed for the benefit of the committee.
SUBMISSIONS BY THE PUBLIC
It was noted that there is a need to invest in Youth Programs and to insure that
qualified staff are made available to initiate and facilitate these programs, now and in
the years to come.
Comments were made suggesting an amalgamation of the local Fire Departments. This
should improve cost efficiency, insure maximum use of facilities and equipment,
equalize costs, improve response time and insure safety and accountability.
It was noted that the Aurora Public Library, instead of building a new building, would
benefit more from the acquisition of new computer equipment, technology and
resources. This would improve research capabilities and better serve local needs.
It was suggested that more effective methods of garbage disposal should be examined
over a broader scale than the Region of York.
It was also suggested that through the budget implementation process, Council
continue to pay attention to youth activities and insure that these programs are able to
continue.
STAFF REPORTS
TR99-001 - 1999 Operating Budget - Draft #2 and correspondence from Gary
Fernandes and Susan Walmer Re: Comments on the Draft 1999 Operating Budget
#2. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the comments provided by the public be received and referred to
the next Budget Committee meeting to be held on Wednesday, February
17, 1999 at 7:00 p.m.
CARRIED
IN CAMERA
Property Matter
#3. Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Morris
Aurora Budget Committee Report No. 02-99 Page 3
Wednesday, January 20, 1999
THAT this Council proceed In Camera to address a Property matter.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
#4. Moved by Councillor Griffith
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 7:44 p.m.
CARRIED
(THE REPORT OF THE BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 02-99 WAS
CONSIDERED AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL AT ITS MEETING HELD ON JANUARY
27, 1999)
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T. JONES, MAYOR L. ALLISON, MUNICIPAL CLERK