City to begin its 'status quo' budget deliberations on Monday

NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF ORILLIA
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Orillia council will get a first look at the 2021 budget on Monday, Nov. 16 as staff present a draft budget that achieves council’s mandate of a zero per cent increase for the City of Orillia in 2021.

In July, Council provided direction to staff to prepare a 2021 draft budget based on a minimum tax levy increase that includes all tax and non-tax supported services. A contribution from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve is required to achieve a zero per cent increase.

“Recognizing this past year has been difficult for many, Orillia council put forward a mandate for a zero per cent tax increase for 2021," said Mayor Steve Clarke.

"As a municipality, we continue to provide and improve upon many important services for our residents and businesses and continue with our capital project plans to ensure we are set for a successful post-pandemic recovery," said Clarke.

"The significant contributions recent councils have made to city reserves has enabled us to financially weather the COVID-19 pandemic and I look forward to deliberating and debating the details of the 2021 budget in the coming weeks,” he added.

Council will receive the 2021 draft budget package on Nov. 16, along with an overview of the city’s 2020 financial position, an introduction to the 2021 draft budget and staff budget reports.

“With so many uncertainties related to COVID-19, staff focused on preparing a status quo budget with minimal bottom-line impact in order to achieve Council’s mandate of a zero per cent increase,” said Jim Lang, City Treasurer. “Council will review and debate the draft budget in the coming weeks with final ratification planned for Dec. 7.”

Due to COVID-19, the 2021 budget meetings will be held virtually. Rogers TV is unable to broadcast the meetings live, therefore they will be recorded and posted for public viewing on the City’s YouTube channel as soon after the meeting as possible.

Media wishing to cover the budget proceedings will be sent a private link to the virtual meeting platform where they can view the meeting with their camera and microphones turned off. Please contact Jennifer Ruff, Director of Business Development and Communications, at [email protected] to request a meeting link.

Upcoming budget meetings:

The budget package will be available on the city’s website at orillia.ca/budget on Monday, Nov. 16.

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