Mayor Don McIsaac and city council have been governing Orillia residents for a year. We asked the mayor and council five key questions about the first year of their four-year term. We will publish their answers, verbatim. Today is the third of the five-part series, in which they answer the following question:
Are you satisfied with the outcome of the 2024 budget? Why or why not?
Jeff Czetwerzuk (Ward 3)
Overall, I am quite satisfied with the budget. I do feel good about where council ended up. I believe council created a very responsible budget.
However, one thing I would like to see changed during the budget process is that, in future budgets I would like to see more opportunity for community engagement and input as we go through the budget. I believe it is very important to hear from the constituents throughout the process. Having input from the community would help myself and council prioritize things that matter and are important.
However, the overall process was very efficient, and I think we did a great job during the 2024 budget deliberation subject to ratification on Dec. 11.
Jay Fallis (Ward 3)
I am somewhat satisfied with the 2024 Budget (with final approval happening on Dec. 11): As council members, during budget there are always items you support wholeheartedly and there are decisions made that you are completely against.
My budget highlights include items already mentioned: such as increased funding for affordable housing and traffic calming. Impacts to the affordable housing reserve this year included an increase of $100,000/year along with an extra $25,000 for the next two years and a one-time allocation of $100,000. Additionally, we approved a one-time allocation of $15,000 this year for traffic calming measures throughout the city.
I was also ecstatic to see many community initiatives approved during this past budget: two community gardens at the York Street Parkette and Hillcrest Park, advanced turn signals at the Fittons Road/West Street intersection, a Coldwater Road pedestrian walkway, and more funding for sidewalks and road repairs.
Janet-Lynne Durnford (Ward 4)
I am satisfied with the outcome of the 2024 budget. I think Coun. Campbell characterized it as “responsible” and I agree. All of council and our city staff are acutely conscious of the impact of the affordability crisis on Orillia and its citizens. We know that “there’s only one taxpayer.”
We know that food costs and housing costs have increased in a way that is having a day-to-day impact on the people who live here. It was important to all of us to work together to preserve and enhance services without a huge increase in the tax rate. I’m pleased that we’ve come in under 2%
Tim Lauer (Ward 4)
When ratified the headline will be a 1.7% tax levy increase. Forgotten or overlooked is the fact that the 2024 budget also includes an increase to our debt level of $22M. This increase in debt comes of course with an increase in debt service costs. These interest charges are being funded from capital reserves so do not show up in the levy but rest assured they will be paid by the taxpayer.
When these debt costs are factored in, Orillia’s increase is probably in the 3% range. Given the rate of inflation, the effects of Bill 23 and the increases other municipalities are experiencing I think we have a responsible result.
Mayor Don McIsaac
The budget process is still in process, and council plans to finalize it on Dec. 11. As elected representatives, we understand that Orillians did not elect us to increase taxes, and therefore, we are committed to developing a financially responsible budget for 2024 that provides high-quality municipal services to our community while focusing on our top priorities.
I believe that the budget committee meetings that have been held and the budget that will be presented for ratification are evidence of our commitment. We have concentrated on supporting council's priorities and maintaining the same level of service while remaining fiscally responsible. We hope that the ratified budget will reflect this.
David Campbell (Ward 1)
I think that, in our current economic climate, achieving an increase below 2% is amazing. Especially when you consider that the County of Simcoe increase and OPP contract increase accounted for more than 1% of that total.
However, we need to keep a close eye on our reserves. I would much rather have the funds in reserves to cover future projects (asset replacement/maintenance) than to borrow money to do it. Borrowing comes at a cost and, like everything else that we do, that cost is paid for by the taxpayer. I always go back to that ‘if it were your money would you spend it on that?’ question. I think we should be asking ourselves that all the time.
Whitney Smith (Ward 1)
I am satisfied with the outcome of the 2024 budget for our city staff and our council. Our dedicated city staff and council members invested significant time and effort to comprehensively understand and discuss every budget item, focusing on projects pivotal for Orillia's future growth.
What makes me particularly proud is that we didn't make decisions in isolation. We considered the economic landscape we found ourselves in and ensured that our choices were not only informed but also financially wise. Our goal was to strike a balance between fostering Orillia's growth and being responsible stewards of our resources.
I'm confident in saying that, based on a comparative analysis with nearby municipalities, our 2024 municipal budget is one of the best. It positions us well for the future, with an eye on both sustainable growth and prudent financial management.
Ralph Cipolla (Ward 2)
I am satisfied with the outcome of the 2024 budget. The budget reflects our commitment to key priorities, such as infrastructure development, public services, and community programs. While there were tough decisions to make, I believe the budget strikes a balance between fiscal responsibility and meeting the needs of our community.
Luke Leatherdale (Ward 2)
I am satisfied with the outcome of the 2024 budget, but not pleased. I would have preferred to see no tax increase or better yet, a negative increase. But the decisions around the 2024 budget were not taken lightly, and we, as a council, have done what we felt was in the best interests of Orillia as a whole. My goal for next budget will be to get as close to zero increase as we can.
Watch for the third part of this five-part series tomorrow.
