The November mid-cycle budget deliberations have concluded. Read on for my statement, observations, and perspectives on this year’s discussions, along with links to posts about previous budget deliberations.
2024 Adjustments Statement & Wrap-up
CLICK HERE for my 2024 budget statement.
CLICK HERE for the approved motion with amendments.
CLICK HERE for my proposed amendment outlining the $480 million per year increase, required to properly maintain our existing infrastructure.
Nearly everyone who signed up to speak at the public hearing for this year's budget spoke about the need to focus on our core services and maintain our infrastructure. The gap is not just the $480 million that I outline in the amendment, there is a gap in our understanding as a City about how we got to where we currently are.
I strongly encourage you to read the 2023 Adjustments wrap-up and my more in-depth look at the four-year budget we finalized in 2022 Budget Wrap-Up 2023-26.
Calgary hasn't arrived in the situation we are in quickly.
Don't hesitate to reach out to carry on the conversation,
Evan Spencer
Cllr. Ward 12
November 24th - Post
Administration is recommending a select number of operating and capital investments to proceed in 2025 and 2026. Funding for these investments comes from user fee increases, reprioritization of previously approved operating and capital budgets, and property tax increases for the highest priorities that could not be covered by the first two funding strategies.
Find a detailed list of those investments CLICK HERE.
On the other hand, fee-based services are funded directly by the users of the service through fees or charges. These services are more specific and are paid for by individuals or businesses that utilize them, such as water and wastewater utilities, waste collection, and certain recreational programs. The fees collected are used to cover the cost of delivering these services and maintaining the necessary infrastructure, such as water treatment plants or waste disposal systems.
There are also many services that blend the two approaches such as Transit.
You can find some examples of ongoing operating costs with this document: CLICK HERE
If you want to see where your yearly taxes go, this tool is extremely helpful: CLICK HERE
Please help me understand the needs of Ward 12 better by prioritizing the buckets below around where you most want to see your taxes at work.
As we get closer to November budget deliberations, I will update this blog with what I am hearing back from Ward 12. After deliberations I will add a round up to this blog as I have done in previous years.
As always, don't hesitate to reach out directly with feedback on the upcoming budget deliberations.
Evan Spencer
Cllr. Ward 12
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Evan Spencer published this page in Blog 2024-10-24 09:46:56 -0600