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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFIN-06-004 - Council Review of 2006 Operating & Capital Budgets ) ~ ,.. Report To: Mayor Carl Zehr and Members of Council Date of Meeting: January 30,2006 Submitted By: Pauline Houston, General Manager of Financial Services & Treasurer Prepared By: Dan Chapman, Director of Financial Planning & Reporting (2347) Ward(s) Involved: All Date of Report: January 19, 2006 Report No.: FIN-06-004 Subject: Council Review of 2006 Operating and Capital Budgets RECOMMENDATION: For information BACKGROUND: On Monday, January 30, 2006 Council will review the 2006 Operating and Capital Budgets. This report and related attachments provide Budget detail and supplementary information. REPORT: Attached are the following hard copy printouts that will be used for Council Budget Review on Monday January 30, 2006: Page # 1 Slide presentation (green) 59 Legislative Changes (1999-2006) - updated (white) 60 2006 Reserves & Reserve Funds Budget (white) 65 Proposed Council Policy Resolutions (white) Several pieces of additional information are attached as requested: Page # 69 71 74 75 Capital Information Papers (blue) Capital Policies and Target Kingsdale Community Centre Huron Business Park Building Division Renovations Page # 76 78 81 82 Enterprise Information Papers (blue) Golf Course Projections and Dividend AMANDA System Resources Building Division Internal Recoveries Water and Sewer Rates Page # 83 84 Operating Information Papers (blue) Equipment Reserve Charges Fringe Benefit Rates The following information papers were not finalized at the time of preparing the Budget Day package. They will be issued to Council members by way of addendum: · Kitchener Public Library · Gas Margins and Dividends · Outstanding Grant Appeals · Gapping · Penalty & Interest / Investment Income In addition to the attached, it is suggested that Members of Council bring copies of previous budget presentations and the capital forecast on Budget Day for reference purposes. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: As detailed in the attached information COMMUNICATIONS: Notice of all budget meetings and an invitation for public input has been placed on the City website. Additionally, formal public notice of the Council's intent to pass the budget as well as water and sewer rates on January 30, 2006 has been published in the local newspaper. Pauline Houston, CA General Manager of Financial Services & City Treasurer Dan Chapman, CA Director of Financial Planning & Reporting c.c. J. Grant S. Lewis Kitchener-Waterloo Record Financial Planning & Reporting Division I'-- II) I'-- II) I'-- fij fij cr:> ~ II) II) cr:> ~ CXl C\J '<t C\J '<t II) II) 0 I'-- CXl C\J I'-- I'-- I'-- I'-- cr:> C\J cr:> r:t5 ..t r:t5 1'--- g ~ '<t- '4 ~ ~ ~ ;:!: ~ 0 0 0 0 0 cr:> cr:> ;:!: C\J- C\J- ~ C') '<t I'-- C') C') II) W III C\J I'-- cr:> I'-- I'-- ~ 0 (.J Z I'-- I'-- <( - ...J olS ~ ~ o U- S ~ ~ CXl CXl 0 CXl ~ '<t a: C\J <( <( w a:~ t :> I'-- I'-- I'-- I'-- 0 II) II) C\J C\J C\J C\J ~ Z g C\J ~ ~ C') C') C\J ~ I'-- I'-- I'-- ~ Z g I- W :! '<t ~ 0 C\J '<t C) C') II) C\J I'-- 0 I'-- I'-- II) II) C\J I'-- :::) I1l (fJ 0 Z C') CXl CXl CXl C') :::) LL C') I'-- I'-- 0 I'-- ~- 0 W >< > ;:!: a: w (fJ w a: QJ Vi ~ w (fJ QJ Ul W "0 ~ > LL W ~ a: _ OJ CIl C QJ w ""5. ~ ffi QJ (fJ CIl :::::i 0 CIl W UO) U QJ ::::l ca CIl ~ ~ QJ Z i ca a: w i 0 i ~ <.D ~ QJ a: 0 0 0 tij ~ 0 u u 6 0 u C\J z COUNCIL POLICY RESOLUTION POLICY NUMBER DATE: JANUARY 30,2006 POLICY TYPE: FINANCIAL SUBJECT: RESERVE FUND - BUSINESS PARKS POLICY CONTENT: 1. That the Business Parks Reserve Fund be established subject to the following guidelines: (a) The fund shall finance Business Park capital projects as approved by Council from time to time; and (b) The fund shall be funded by capital budget contributions as well as surplus capital balances remaining at the close-out of a business park project. KITCHENER Page 1 of 1 DECEMBER 2005 COUNCIL POLICY RESOLUTION POLICY NUMBER DATE: JANUARY 30,2006 POLICY TYPE: FINANCIAL SUBJECT: RESERVE FUND - FEDERAL GAS TAX POLICY CONTENT: 1. That the Federal Gas Tax Reserve Fund be established subject to the following guidelines: (a) The fund shall finance capital works and other costs that meet the "eligible projects" and "eligible costs" criteria as outlined in the Municipal Funding Agreement for the Transfer of Federal Gas Tax Revenues and approved by Council from time to time; and (b) The fund shall receive funding allocations on an annual basis, in accordance with the schedule outlined in the Municipal Funding Agreement for the Transfer of Federal Gas Tax Revenues. KITCHENER Page 1 of 1 DECEMBER 2005 COUNCIL POLICY RESOLUTION POLICY NUMBER DATE: JANUARY 30,2006 POLICY TYPE: FINANCIAL SUBJECT: RESERVE FUND - GAS CAPITAL INVESTMENT POLICY CONTENT: 1. That the Gas Capital Investment Reserve Fund be established subject to the following guidelines: (a) The fund shall finance capital projects as approved by Council from time to time; (b) The fund shall be funded by annual net profit generated by the Gas Utility in excess of 50% of the previous year's net profit after capital expenditure; and (c) All allocations shall be based on a five-year plan to ensure sustainability of the fund. KITCHENER Page 1 of 1 DECEMBER 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER 2006 BUDGET INFORMATION PAPER ISSUE: FUND: DEPARTMENT: DIVISION: Capital Policies and Target Operating and Capital Financial Services Financial Planning & Reporting INFORMATION REQUESTED BY COUNCIL: . Ten year history of long term debt interest rates and payments . Calculation of the impact of eliminating inflationary increases in the levy transfer to capital . Project types permitted for funding through the Federal Gas Tax program DETAILS / ANALYSIS: Ten Year Historv of Interest Rates and Debt Payments Staff has reviewed the charges incurred on long term debt over the past ten years and calculated the "implicit" interest rate in effect each year, as outlined in the following table: Total Debt Year Rate Principal Interest Payments ~ ----:r.72% 2,962,813 1,361,716 4,324,529 2003 5.95% 2,939,678 1 ,523,359 4,463,037 2002 5.38% 2,741,567 1,312,305 4,053,872 2001 6.04% 3,006,512 1,310,643 4,317,155 2000 6.78% 2,939,278 1 ,372,055 4,311,333 1999 7.76% 3,662,572 1,616,847 5,279,419 1998 8.46% 3,844,856 1,744,628 5,589,484 1997 9.06% 3,774,487 1,853,652 5,628,139 1996 9.60% 3,638,365 1,936,333 5,574,698 1995 9.80% 3,378,279 2,208,651 5,586,929 Note: The implicit interest rate above represents the total debt charges for the year, as a percent of the average debt outstanding for the year. Due to more favourable long term borrowing rates in recent years, the analysis shows that the interest rate has been declining since 1995. continued on reverse... 2006-01-26 Elimination of the Inflationarv Increase in the Levv Transfer to Caoital Staff has quantified the impact of removing inflationary increases in the levy transfer to capital from the ten year capital forecast beyond 2006. The result is a reduction in available capital funding of approximately $16 million over the forecast, as follows: Including No Inflation Inflation Difference 2006* 6,036 6,036 2007 6,457 6,157 300 2008 6,902 6,280 621 2009 7,371 6,406 965 2010 7,866 6,534 1,332 2011 8,389 6,665 1,725 2012 8,941 6,798 2,143 2013 9,524 6,934 2,590 2014 10,138 7,073 3,065 2015 10,786 7,214 3,572 Total 82,410 66,096 16,314 *Inflationary increase already excluded from 2006 budget submission Proiects Permitted Under the Federal Gas Tax Prooram The federal gas tax agreement provides the City with revenues to fund various types of projects, provided that the projects represent investment in environmentally sustainable municipal infrastructure that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide cleaner air and cleaner water. As such, the eligible projects include: · Public Transit (e.g., transit buses, rapid transit, etc.) · Water (e.g., drinking water purification and treatment systems, etc.) · Wastewater (e.g., sanitary and combined sewer systems and storm water systems) · Solid Waste (e.g., waste diversion, material recovery facilities, etc.) · Community Energy Systems (e.g., cogeneration or combined heat and power projects, district heating and cooling projects, etc.) · Local roads, bridges and tunnels, and active transportation infrastructure (e.g., Bike lanes) that enhance sustainability · Capacity Building (i.e., projects and activities that strengthen the ability of the City to develop and implement long term plans that provide direction to realize sustainability objectives). The City has allocated the anticipated federal gas tax funding to local road and bridge projects in the ten year capital forecast. 2006-01-26 CITY OF KITCHENER 2006 BUDGET INFORMATION PAPER ISSUE: FUND: DEPARTMENT: DIVISION: Kingsdale Community Centre Capital Community Services Community Programs & Services - Community Development INFORMATION REQUESTED BY COUNCIL: Potential options to facilitate advancement of Kingsdale Community Centre construction from 2011 to 2009. DETAILS 1 ANALYSIS: The 2006-2015 capital forecast currently includes a $3.7 million provision in 2011 for the construction of a Community Centre in the Kingsdale neighbourhood, funded out of the "capital from current" (c/c) pool. There is limited flexibility to accommodate an adjustment to project timing given the total project cost, lack of available funding in the forecast, and commitments made to major projects prior to 2011 (e.g., new twin pad). However, four alternatives have been identified for consideration to potentially accommodate the Kingsdale project in 2009: 1. Reduce Brownfield Remediation Program in 2009/2010 The capital forecast currently includes $3.9 million of funding in 2009 and 2010 for Brownfield Remediation projects. This funding could be partially reduced or deferred in order to create capacity to fund Community Centre costs. While the work plan of the Brownfield Committee is still being developed, it is anticipated that these funds will be required for the evaluation of City-owned properties and the remediation of Brownfield sites in the City inventory. It is expected that this work will necessitate a significant ongoing budget commitment and that a reduction or deferral would compromise the City's ability to advance the Brownfield Remediation program. 2. Defer Storm Water Management Works The 2009 capital forecast includes $3.5 million of c/c funded storm works, including a portion of the Schneider Creek Channel works ($1.3 million) and the first year of Grand River Erosion Control works ($2.2 million). While a deferral of the Schneider Creek works could be considered in order to free up funding room for the Community Centre, the timing of the work is based on the forecast identified in the Development Charges Background Study. As well, the Storm Water Audit identified this project as a high priority and the Environmental Assessment, to be commenced in 2006, may lead to revisions in scope and timing. The Grand River Erosion Control works could also be deferred, but are likely to be tied in with Regional road construction projects (e.g., Bridgeport Bridge), which may in fact limit the flexibility to adjust the timing. 3. Defer a Portion of Consolidated Maintenance Facility Funding Under this scenario, CMF c/c funding would be shifted from 2009 to 2011 to create funding room for the Community Centre project in 2009. Corporate Services staff have advised that the following is the most likely project timing in the event that Council proceeds to approve construction of the CMF: 2006-01-26 · 2007 01 - final Council approval · 2008 02 - issuance of tender and commencement of construction · 2009 04 - construction completed · 201001 - occupancy Shifting funding from 2009 to 2011 is not desirable if the intention is to occupy the CMF based on the above timeline. Moreover, a significant amount of project funding is already included in 2011 and 2012. In the event that Council decides to approve to the project in 2006 when the peer review is complete, advancement of project timing would be possible which would make the deferral of funding even more problematic. 4. Increase Capital Levy or Debenture Issue Council could consider adopting an additional capital levy to generate funding or could issue debentures beyond the amount already identified in the forecast. This approach would be inconsistent with the City's stated capital policy which limits increases in debt charges and the capital levy to assessment growth plus inflation, except where a project has a defined payback period. Other Kinasdale Budaet Allocations The following items related to the Kingsdale Community Centre have recently been added to the capital forecast, as directed by Council, subject to final budget approval: · Retention of consultant to fast-track completion of the business case in first half of 2006 as per recommendation 13 of the LFMP ($40,000); and · 1,500 square foot addition to existing portable, subject to Council approval following presentation of business case and its comments on interim solutions ($200,000). Among other things, the business case will consider whether the long term needs of the community can be addressed through alternatives other than full scale construction of a new stand-alone facility (e.g., conversion of an existing facility). If the business case recommends an option with occupancy prior to 2011, staff may recommend that the $200,000 expenditure be delayed and used to advance design and development. If no near-term options are feasible, staff will likely propose expending the $200,000 allocation to provide the additional 1,500 square feet of space for immediate use by the community until a new facility can be developed. Develooment Criteria and Strateaies LFMP Recommendation 18 has not been approved by Council. However, this recommendation proposes Development Criteria and Strategies related to the need for a neighbourhood to prove program sustainability prior to the provision of a new facility. Specifically, it proposes that groups seeking a centre must have: · 5- 7 years of successful and sustainable local program delivery; · 10-15 core committed volunteers active for 1-2 years; · defined service area; · utilization of other facilities prior to additions to existing centre; · business plan completed; and · use of portables or shared facilities for up to 5 years as pre-development and opportunity to test demand. 2006-01-26 Staff has not brought this recommendation forward previously and is in the process of bundling the majority of the LFMP recommendations for CSC consideration in 2006. While the criteria recommendation could be fast-tracked, it would not be complete prior to budget approval. If required to comment on this recommendation relative to Kingsdale, staff would argue that the community has not had sufficient portable space to conduct the pre-development, there is no business plan completed, transportation is an impediment to accessing some alternative spaces and documentation about the sustainability and success of the current program is ad hoc and not sufficiently developed. As a result, the community has not had the capacity to demonstrate the criteria necessary to justify the development of a permanent community centre. Summarv As requested by Council, a range of options have been supplied to facilitate a discussion on alternatives available to adjust the timing of construction of the Kingsdale Community Centre. Staff continues to support the schedule proposed in the current Capital Forecast (2011) at this time, for the following reasons: · it is consistent with the recommendations of the LFMP; · the Community Services Committee will be undertaking a detailed review of LFMP recommendations in 2006, at which time Committee members will have an opportunity to review scope and timing of all projects for prioritization in the 2007 budget process; · the Kingsdale business plan will be completed in 2006, which will provide insight into the most appropriate timing, location and features of the Kingsdale Community Centre; and · the options available to advance the construction of the facility will likely have a detrimental impact on other significant City initiatives. 2006-01-26 CITY OF KITCHENER 2006 BUDGET INFORMATION PAPER ISSUE: FUND: DEPARTMENT: DIVISION: Huron Business Park Operating and Capital General Expenses General Expenses INFORMATION REQUESTED BY COUNCIL: History of City financial contribution to the project as well as current value assessment and City share of property tax revenue. DETAILS 1 ANALYSIS: Huron Business Park current value assessment (2005) - $200,102,000.00. City of Kitchener share of property taxes (2005) - $1,927,000.00. Total City of Kitchener financial contribution for Huron Business Park is $16,195,000.00. 2006-01-26 CITY OF KITCHENER 2006 BUDGET INFORMATION PAPER ISSUE: FUND: DEPARTMENT: DIVISION: Building Division Renovations Capital Development & Technical Services Building Enterprise INFORMATION REQUESTED BY COUNCIL: · Details related to proposed Building Division renovation. · Discussion of the alignment of this initiative with the Corporate approach to accommodating staffing increases (i.e., renovation vs. decentralization). DETAILS / ANALYSIS: In conjunction with Facilities Management, the Building Division is planning a large-scale renovation of the fifth floor of City Hall to address requirements of Bill 124 (Building Code Amendment Act), which came into effect in Ontario on January 1, 2006. The Building Division will be adding significantly to the staff complement, thus necessitating a major modification to the layout of the floor and associated furnishings. The 2006 capital budget includes a $575,000 provision for Building Division office renovations, which includes demolition, reconstruction, voice/data wiring, electrical work, mechanical work, furniture, consultancy and other soft costs. The budget has been reduced from the original estimate of $661,000 based on detailed design and costing recently completed by Facilities Management. All funding is to be provided by the Building Enterprise and is independent of the City Hall general provision renovation budget (c/c funded) which was the subject of a previous report to Council. Facilities Management is planning for staffing growth across all City Hall departments without contemplating an addition to the building. Staff will be reporting on this issue on January 23, 2006. The two options under consideration are: · Decentralization - moving groups of staff off site where possible; or · Revise office and furniture standards - to permit greater staff density within existing City Hall space. The alignment of the proposed renovations in the Building Division with the general approach to accommodating staffing increases will be dependent on the outcome of Committee deliberations on January 23, 2006. 2006-01-26 CITY OF KITCHENER 2006 BUDGET INFORMATION PAPER ISSUE: FUND: DEPARTMENT: DIVISION: Golf Course Projections and Dividend Operating Community Services Enterprise Services Division - Golf Courses INFORMATION REQUESTED BY COUNCIL: At the January 16, 2006 Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting, staff was directed to review the Golf Enterprise projections and bring back information with respect to how the dividend paid to the City from the Golf Enterprise compares to notional property and income taxes. DETAILS / ANALYSIS: During budget deliberations, discussion focused on 2006 budget projections compared to projected actual revenues and expenses for 2005 in the Golf Enterprise. Based on a follow-up staff review of the 2005 actuals, it was felt the budget for 2006 may be too aggressive for Doon Valley Golf course and slightly conservative for Rockway Golf course. Staff has attached the actual gross profit statements since 2002 for both golf operations below. The statements show there has been a significant increase in revenue since 2002 for both golf operations. It is expected the trend will continue as interest in golf and participation remains high in the market segment served by the municipal golf courses. As a result, Golf unit and Finance staff met to rationalize the budget projections and agreed to a principle of setting 2006 revenue targets at a 3% increase over 2005 projected actuals, being of the opinion that 2005 was a fairly representative year. The net result is a final gross profit budget recommendation of $791,000 for Doon Valley, representing a more conservative approach when compared to the original recommendation. Conversely, at Rockway the increase results in a slightly more aggressive approach with a final gross profit budget recommendation of $763,000. Doon Golf Course Pro1ections PROJ. BUDGET ACT. Course Operations Revenue 1071 1073 1142 1,188 1,155 Expenses Canteen Operations Revenue 413 426 470 463 463 Expenses Miscellaneous Rev. Total Gross Profit 2006-01-26 Rockwav Golf Proiections PROJ. BUDGET ACT. Canteen Operations Revenue Expenses 440 458 469 475 471 Course Operations Revenue Expenses Miscellaneous Rev. Total Gross Profit Staff was also asked to provide an estimate of the portion of the dividend payments from the golf enterprises comprising notional property and income taxes. Finance staff have estimated that the golf courses would be paying approximately $167,486 in property taxes and $89,704 in income taxes (total $257,190) if they were not operated as municipal enterprises. Total dividends to be paid to the city in 2006 are projected in the amount of $310,000. 2006-01-26 CITY OF KITCHENER 2006 OPERATING BUDGET INFORMATION PAPER ISSUE: Building Enterprise - Additional AMANDA System Resource Supplemental Information Requested on January 16, 2006 Operating Development & Technical Services Building Enterprise FUND: DEPARTMENT: DIVISION: INFORMATION REQUESTED BY COUNCIL: On January 16, Council members requested additional details related to the analysis that was done to determine the current amount of staff resources dedicated to the various components of the AMANDA system, as well as the analysis of the impact on the system (on-going support/maintenance and implementing new initiatives), based on maintaining the status quo versus applying additional resources. DETAILS / ANALYSIS: The information requested by Council had been analyzed during the initial preparation of the business case. Based on a historical review, it was determined that the current FTE resource dedicates 80 % of her time to the on-going support and maintenance of the system, spread across the various Divisions, with only 20%, or one day a week, devoted to new work plan initiatives. The desired split between the 2 components of the program has been determined to be 50/50. After determining the existing reality, staff completed an analysis of the time involved in completing the items currently identified on the workplan based on 2 scenarios; the impact of maintaining the status quo compared to the impact of the proposed additional resource. The following table outlines the comparison: Resource allocation Timeline to complete current workplan items Status Quo - 20% of 1 FTE December 2010 Proposed Additional Resource - December 2008 50%+50%=100% of 1 FTE The workplan is attached for reference. The top portion of the workplan represents those items identified and prioritized in the fall of 2004. The analysis shows that the items are all behind schedule. The items in the lower portion were identified after the original prioritization exercise. It is important to understand that the items contained on the attached workplan represent critical components required to support and enhance existing business practices and to utilize the system to its optimum capacity. They do not merely represent a "wish list" of initiatives. It should also be understood that the items on the workplan represent those initiatives currently identified by staff as supporting the existing and future directions of the various user Divisions. It does not factor in any future initiatives that may be required as a result of regulatory requirements or resulting from currently undetermined system enhancements (i.e. Provincial regulations relating to the Building Enterprise and new initiatives may bring new opportunities). 2006-01-26 It is anticipated that the workplan will essentially serve as a living document that will represent the desired initiatives at any given time. Items will be completed and removed, while others will be added. Members of Council also asked whether a review was undertaken to determine if there was any existing capacity with the IT Division to dedicate towards the AMANDA system. Staff advise that there is no additional capacity. It is clear that, without dedicating additional resources to the project, the workplan will continue to fall further behind, with a direct impact on staff efficiencies, customer service and our ability to meet the legislative requirements applicable to the various Divisions. The cost of hiring of an additional AMANDA Administrator on a three (3) year contract basis is estimated at approximately $75,000 annually. These costs are to be funded from the Building Division Enterprise and are recoverable from the permit fees collected. The data and input of the AMANDA system is an indirect cost associated with the enforcement of the Building Code Act and the Building Code. This is not a corporate cost funded by the tax base. Staff continues to recommend that an additional AMANDA Administrator be hired on a three (3) year contract to assist in the completion of the current and future projects identified in the AMANDA Corporate Work Plan. Additionally, staff recommends that that a review of the position and its impact on achieving the workplan be undertaken by the AMANDA Steering Committee prior to the end of the third year to evaluate the necessity for continued support. 2006-01-26 CITY OF KITCHENER 2006 BUDGET INFORMATION PAPER ISSUE: FUND: DEPARTMENT: DIVISION: Building Division Budget Operating Development & Technical Services Building Enterprise INFORMATION REQUESTED BY COUNCIL: On January 16, 2005 Council members reviewed the Building Enterprise projection and requested additional information related to the potential to restate 2005 charges from tax- supported operations using the approach adopted for 2006. DETAILS / ANALYSIS: The increase in internal charges from 2005 to 2006 ($237,531) relates to cost increases and process changes which are becoming effective in 2006. As such, it would be inappropriate to adjust 2005 allocations using the approach adopted for 2006. The change in allocation is as a result of the following: · 3% inflation · increased rent due to additional floor space · increased maintenance costs due to additional floor space · new fire plan examination functions · internal charges within the DTS Department · increase of 0.6 FTE allocated from Planning · increased charge from Communications 2006-01-26 CITY OF KITCHENER 2006 BUDGET INFORMATION PAPER ISSUE: FUND: DEPARTMENT: DIVISION: Water and Sewer Rates Operating Financial Services / Development & Technical Services Utilities / Sewer INFORMATION REQUESTED BY COUNCIL: On January 16, Council directed staff to prepare Water and Sewer projections under the assumption that the increase in the combined water and sewer rate would be equal to the tax rate increase (assumed to be 3%). DETAILS / ANALYSIS: The following is a comparison between the rate increase proposed by staff and a 3% rate increase in 2006. As directed, staff has assumed that rates should be sufficient to arrive at the same deficit position in 2010 under both scenarios. Staff has also provided, as a comparison, the accumulated (deficit)/revenue that was projected when Council approved the Accelerated Infrastructure Program in February, 2004: Staff continues to support a combined water and sewer rate increase of 4.7% in 2006, followed by increases of 4.9% thereafter for the following reasons: · provides smoother rates over the forecast period · reduces the deficit faster than the Alternative plan · reduces interest costs to the Utilities 2006-01-26 CITY OF KITCHENER 2006 BUDGET INFORMATION PAPER ISSUE: FUND: DEPARTMENT: DIVISION: Equipment Reserve Charges Operating Financial Services Fleet INFORMATION REQUESTED BY COUNCIL: During review of the Operating Budget on January 16, Council members requested information on the components of equipment reserve charges. DETAILS / ANALYSIS: Equipment reserve charges consist of the following: · Depreciation, allocated over the life of the equipment · Insurance and Licence · Fuel costs · Repair costs, including: · Mechanics' Wages · Vehicle Parts · Fleet overhead, including · Salaries · Telephone, Computer, Office Supplies, etc · Internal Charges Equipment reserve charges for 2006 are $5,639,500 (2005 - $5,221,500). The majority of the $418,000 increase is attributable to fuel cost increases of $376,000. The remaining increase is due primarily to wage settlements and inflationary increases. 2006-01-26 ISSUE: FUND: DEPARTMENT: DIVISION: CITY OF KITCHENER 2006 BUDGET INFORMATION PAPER FRINGE BENEFIT INCREASE OPERATING ALL ALL INFORMATION REQUESTED BY COUNCIL: On January 16, 2006, staff were asked to come back more information on the cause of the anticipated $813,000 increase in fringe benefit costs in 2006. DETAILS / ANALYSIS: There are various fringe benefit rates that are applied against salaries and wages, depending on the pay group. These deductions are used to pay for various expenses incurred throughout the year such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), IATSE, vacation, stats/floaters, bereavement, union affairs, jury duty, Employee Health Tax (EHT), accidental death & dismemberment, group life, dental, extended health care, long term disability, WSIB and sick leave. A thorough analysis of the fringe benefit rates is conducted every two years to ensure that the deductions are sufficient to pay for the expenditures. As part of the Pro Forma process this year, it was identified that a 1.1 % increase to the levy would likely be required (and 0.5% in 2007). The largest items that impact the increase would be the increasing costs of providing extended health care (14% increase) which accounts for approximately $350,000 and the increase in OMERS rate of 0.6% which accounts for approximately $300,000. The latest analysis has indicated some rate changes for 2006 as follows: Group Salary/Non-Union Full Time Part-Time Fire Council CITS Salary CITS IA TSE FT CITS IA TSE PT CITS Reg PT 2005 Rate 27% 49% 20% 24% 10% 23% 33% 25% 16% 2006 Rate 28% 49% 24% 26% 14% 25% 34% 29% 17% Actuarial valuations are completed once every three years with extrapolations completed for intervening year-ends. The funding target for vested sick leave benefits is 25% of total liability. 2006-01-26 Fire Prevention New folders and reports 85 Feb 24-2005 Late Mobile o Mar 27-2006 Delayed Building Building Orders & Complaints 60 April 21-2005 Late Bill 124 system chanQes & reports 70 Dec 31-2005 Late Grading Folder Revisions o May 05-2006 Delayed Planninq Subdivision Folder Revisions 65 Feb 3-2005 Late Condominium Folder Revisions 20 Mar 24-2005 Late Zone Chanqe Revisions o Jun 24-2005 Late Official Plan Folder Revisions o Jul 25-2005 Late Document & Attachment Viewer 10 Jan 23-2006 Delayed By-Law Enforcement Noise Enforcement Folder o Dec 16-2005 Late AMANDA Administration AMANDA 4.3 Upgrade (Now version 4.4) o June 3-2005 Deferred Records Retention Plan o Jan 23-2006 Delayed Security Audit Module Review o Jan 16-2006 Delayed Additional Projects not yet prioritized Building IVR Setup and testing Permit Fee (Rebate program) procedure Planning Report to track Planning processes Track Heritage Property designations Folder for Heritage Applications Letters & Reports Part Lot Control folder fixes By-Law Enforcement Encroachment Folder AMANDA Administration People Record Clean-up Convert all existinq reports to Crystal Direct GIS Link from AMANDA Legal/Planning Letter of Credit Module Review Econom ic Dev New CIP Project Area for notifications Enqineerinq Trackinq of Future Sidewalk & Streetscape deposits Tracking of Engineering Development Processes SWM Billinq link with Utilities Fire Prevention Direct Detect folder to track calls Fire/Licensing Review of Licensing application folder Joint Divisions Vacant Building Inventory tracking system Buildinq, Fire, EnforcemE Shared folders for cross over complaint trackinq PAL 4.0 Implementation or Wireless CITY OF KITCHENER 2006 BUDGET INFORMATION PAPER ISSUE: FUND: DEPARTMENT: DIVISION: Gapping Status Operating General Expense General Expense INFORMATION REQUESTED BY COUNCIL: On January 16, Council requested staff to provide a summary of the amount recovered through gapping over the last few years. DETAILS / ANALYSIS: The City of Kitchener has utilized gapping as a means of tracking salary and wage savings throughout the Corporation. These savings arise from leaves of absence, terminations, retirements, maternity leave and sick leave. Corporate savings due to gapping are as follows: 2002: $1,722,756 2003: $1,764,563 2004: $2,392,050 2005: $2,189,574 (estimated) 2006: $2,168,850 (budgeted) The 2006 budget has been increased by approximately $320,000. Of this, $160,000 represents an increase in the fringe benefits portion, which is due to an increase in the fringe rate for 2006 as well as to correct the method of allocating fringe benefits. The remaining $160,000 increase is to reflect an expected increase in natural gapping in 2006. 2006-01-26 CITY OF KITCHENER 2006 BUDGET INFORMATION PAPER ISSUE: FUND: DEPARTMENT: DIVISION: Historical Margins and Dividends for Gas Utility Operating Finance Utilities INFORMATION REQUESTED BY COUNCIL: On January 16th, Council requested that staff review the projected gross margin in the Gas Utility in view of historical margins that are higher than those projected. Council also requested a comparison of the Gas Utility dividends to those of similar companies in the private sector. DETAILS 1 ANALYSIS: Gross Margins The historical gross margins, along with the 2005 (projected) and the 2006 (budget) margins in the Delivery company are as follows: ACTUAL PROJECTED BUDGET 2003 2004 2005 2006 Margin 18,034 Gross Profit 48.7% Gross Margin Profit 17,442 47.4% Gross Margin Profit 14,362 39.6% Delivery Margin 17,922 Gross Profit 49.5% The primary source of profit for the gas enterprises is due to the difference between the retail delivery price and the wholesale cost to provide the service. The retail margin is greatest for heat-sensitive, small volume customers. As such, the actual margin obtained is correlated to the extent of cold winter weather. Given the inability to control the impact of weather conditions, the Gas Utility budgets conservatively to ensure that forecast earnings are not overstated. A good example of this impact is being experienced this month - so far in January, total consumption is down almost 20% relative to forecast. Given the weather expected to the end of the month, the reduced consumption should result in a margin loss of over $500,000, thus reducing gross margin by 1.4%. In addition, the wholesale transportation opportunities that have supplemented the profitability of the Gas Utility in the past will be reduced significantly going forward. The benefits from these opportunities are expected to be approximately $2 million less than they were in 2004. Given these reduced margin opportunities and the warm January already experienced, no adjustment to the budget or gross margin percentage is recommended. Dividend Discussion Return on investment for private gas companies is set by the Ontario Energy Board. It would not be appropriate to compare the City's return to these companies because of the following differences: · Private utilities assume debt to pay for their infrastructure and currently have a debt to equity ratio of about 65/35 - Kitchener's gas utility funds all infrastructure costs out of current earnings; · The net income of private utilities is taxable; and · The City's Gas Utility financial statements do not contain any separately valued assets. 2006-01-26 ISSUE: FUND: DEPARTMENT: DIVISION: CITY OF KITCHENER 2006 BUDGET INFORMATION PAPER Investment Income Operating All All INFORMATION REQUESTED BY COUNCIL: On January 16th, Council requested further information on the budget for investment income. DETAILS 1 ANALYSIS: The following amounts of investment income have been generated in the general fund over the past six years: Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006* * Budget Actual 1,686,665 1,956,350 1,412,620 1 ,407,326 1,221,907 1,900,000 1,333,000 It should be noted that the value shown for 2005 represents an updated projection that may be subject to change due to year-end adjustments and transfers. The fluctuations in interest income are due to the following factors: General Fund Balance The fund balance can fluctuate significantly depending on the value of unexpended/unfinanced capital projects, the timing of debt issuance, the timing of tax billing, etc. A factor contributing to the large amount of investment income in 2005 is an unexpended capital balance of approximately $16,000,000 (excluding EDIF). This balance has fluctuated over the last several years with a high of over $20,000,000 in 2001 and a low of $700,000 in 2003. The variability of capital balances has the potential to result in decreased investment income in the future. I nterest Rates The table on the following page demonstrates that yields in the short-term portfolio have fluctuated significantly as a result of fluctuations in prevailing interest rates. Most economic forecasts suggest that interest rates will rise modestly to the end of 2006 (i.e., by 50 to 75 basis points). 2006-01-26 Historical Yields 6 ~ 5 '0 4 Q) >= E Q) l- e 2 .s::: en ~, ~~ ~~ ~l>< ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 2006-01-26 - KITCHENER PUBLIC LIBRARY DATE: January 24,2006 TO: Pauline Houston, City Treasurer Dan Chapman, Director of Financial Planning and Reporting FROM: Sonia Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary-Treasurer, KPL Board SUBJECT: 2006 Operating Budget and 2005 Financial Statements This is follow up to the January 16, 2006 operating budget discussion and subsequent requests for information from your staff. Upon review of the 2005 Year End Financial Statements, some opportunities to reduce the operating budget request were identified. The Kitchener Public Library has identified changes that would result in savings of $47,000. The savings would be achieved in the following manner: 1) Increase fine revenue by $30,000 2) Reduce Forest Heights Community Library utilities expenditures by $2,000 3) Reduce Employment Insurance expenditures by $5,000 4) Reduce Salaries expenditures by additional gapping of $10,000 These savings would reduce the additional request of $97,525 over guidelines reflected in the issue paper as previously submitted to $50,525. As requested, we have attached our November and December 2005 financial statements. Please note the December report reflects actual yearend results, not projections. Also as requested, the Capital Book Reserve carry-over will be approximately $30,000 and the Operating Resource Account carry-over is $9,787.34. In regards to the capital book reserve funds, Sabina Franzen will be following up with Ruth- Anne Goetz to discuss transferring those funds to the operating budget. Should you require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact to Sabina Franzen or myself. Thank you. 2006-01-26 CITY OF KITCHENER 2006 BUDGET INFORMATION PAPER ISSUE: FUND: DEPARTMENT: DIVISION: Outstanding Grant Appeals Operating and Capital Community Services Administration INFORMATION REQUESTED BY COUNCIL: On January 16, 2006, the Finance and Corporate Services Committee considered 2006 grant allocations. The consideration of several appeals was deferred to final budget day on January 30, 2006, as summarized below. DETAILS / ANALYSIS: 1. Communitech Technology Association · A decision was deferred to budget day pending receipt of a proposal (attached) · Economic Development staff have confirmed that the proposal addresses their primary concerns 2. Capital Grants · Decisions for all capital grants were deferred to budget day · A provision for capital grants has been tentatively established in the 2006 capital budget ($95,000), pending Council's final direction on the three specific applications 3. Annual Operating Grants 3.1 K-W Performing Arts Association/Theatre & Company · A decision was deferred to budget day · FCSC requested a copy of the June 30, 2005 financial statement (attached) · Staff note that the forgiveness of a personal loan during the year has led to the surplus unrestricted fund balance of $232,760 at year end 3.2 Kitchener-Waterloo Opera · decision deferred to budget day to allow Council time to review information previously submitted 3.3 CAFKA · decision deferred to budget day · Committee requested clarification regarding the amounts requested in each of 2006 and 2007 and further information on the proposed expansion of the event (attached) 2006-01-26 CITY OF KITCHENER 2006 BUDGET INFORMATION PAPER ISSUE: FUND: DEPARTMENT: DIVISION: Penalty and Interest Operating Financial Services Revenue INFORMATION REQUESTED BY COUNCIL: On January 16th, Council requested further information on the historical budget and actual figures for penalties and interest on property taxes. DETAILS / ANALYSIS: The following table provides a summary of penalty and interest on property taxes over the past five years, along with the budget for 2006. Year Budget Actual Variance 2001 1,800,000 2,502,928 702,928 2002 1,854,000 2,461,796 607,796 2003 1,891,000 2,295,728 404,728 2004 1,946,000 2,457,353 511,353 2005 2,166,000 2,448,906 282,906 2006 2,231,000 While the City has received more penalty and interest revenue than budgeted in each of the past five years, the operating budget has been increased every year and the variance from budget to actual has declined considerably. An additional budget increase of $69,000 would bring the budget in line with the lowest level of the past five years and an increase of $202,000 would bring the budget in line with the five-year average. When considering any adjustment to the penalty and interest budget, It is important to note that the actual amount of revenue received in the future may be lower than the historical level due to increased attention to the collection of property tax arrears (through tax sales and normal collection efforts). 2006-01-26 COUNCIL POLICY RESOLUTION POLICY NUMBER DATE: JANUARY 30,2006 POLICY TYPE: FINANCIAL SUBJECT: RESERVE FUND - BUILDING ENTERPRISE POLICY CONTENT: 1. That the Building Enterprise Reserve Fund be established subject to the following guidelines: (a) The fund shall finance Business Enterprise capital projects as approved by Council from time to time; (b) The fund shall finance operating deficits of the Building Enterprise; (c) The fund shall be funded by any operating surpluses of the Building Enterprise; and (d) All allocations from the fund shall be based on a five-year plan to ensure sustainability of the fund. KITCHENER Page 1 of 1 DECEMBER 2005