City of Niagara Falls 2022 Tax Supported Operating Budget
At a Special meeting of Council held on Tuesday, January 25th Niagara Falls City Council unanimously approved the 2022 net operating budget of $84,424,468.
CAO Jason Burgess made a presentation outlining background considerations for the 2022 budget including budget measures, risks and the roadmap forward. The proposed 2022 operating budget incorporates new services and the initial phases of major corporate initiatives, reflects the removal of unsustainable funding sources, and introduces new budgeting practices.
Council approved the 2.9% operating budget levy increase plus a 1% ongoing capital investment levy, or $2,924,236, bringing the total 2022 tax levy to $77,904,652. The impact to the average home owner in Niagara Falls will be approximately $4.66 per month/$55.92 per year.
The use of $6,519,816 in reserves was also approved as part of the 2022 operating budget, and Council directed Staff to bring a report at a future date outlining the reserves that will be consolidated and utilized to fund the 2022 budget.
2022 Boards and Commissions, Fee for Service, Grants and Honorarium Recommendations
Regarding funding for boards and commissions, fee for service organizations, and grants and honorarium recipients, Council approved the 2022 funding levels for the organizations listed here, for a total increase over 2021 funding levels of 70% or $138,932.
The City of Niagara Falls has a history of providing financial support to its community groups. Staff’s responsibility in recommending budget expenditures is to ensure that City taxpayers are funding activities that are the responsibility of the Corporation and not those of other levels of government or those that should be funded by other sources.
Council directed staff to begin discussions and initial outreach to organizations noted in the report around potential reductions in funding from the City of Niagara Falls over the course of next 3 years starting in 2023. Staff will provide a report on their findings at an appropriate time later in 2022.
Next Council Meeting: February 8, 2022 The next Niagara Falls City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. For more information, please visitniagarafalls.ca/council.
