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REPORT RAPPORT |
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REPORT RAPPORT |
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DATE:
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20 September 2011 |
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TO/DEST:
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Executive Director, Ottawa Police Services Board |
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FROM/EXP:
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Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service |
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SUBJECT/OBJET: |
2012 BUDGET DIRECTIONS AND TIMETABLE
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RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Ottawa Police Services Board:
1. Direct staff to prepare the 2012 Draft Operating and Capital Budgets in accordance with a 2.5% tax rate increase.
2. Approve the 2012 Budget Review and Approval Timetable.
Section 39 of the Police Services Act requires the Ottawa Police Services Board to approve annual budget allocations for the Ottawa Police Service to maintain the Police Service and provide it with equipment and facilities. In conjunction with the OPS Business Plan and other strategic planning documents, the annual budget enables the Board to set its priorities and provide direction to management. It supports service levels, provides the authority to proceed with key operational projects and confirms the necessary funding to carry out the 2012 work plan.
Council has provided direction to the Board on both the target and the timetable for the 2012 budget. In June City Council established the maximum allowable increases for its various tax rates for the 2012-2014 period. In all cases it is an increase of 2.5% per year.
Earlier this month Council also established the timelines for the review and approval process for the 2012 budget. Council approval is set for the end of November.
The recommendations in this report conform to Council’s direction.
DISCUSSION
The schedule in Table 1 provides the key dates for the tabling, public consultation, consideration and approval of the Board’s 2012 budget in accordance with Council’s direction. Staff will table the draft budget document with the Board at a special meeting on 26 October 2012. Staff will attend the consultation sessions sponsored by the City in November to gain feedback on the budget proposal. Public delegations, Board consideration, review and approval are scheduled for the Board’s regular meeting in November.
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Milestone |
Date |
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OPS Board Regular Meeting: Approval of Budget Timetable |
26 September |
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OPS Board Special Meeting, City Council Special Meeting: Tabling of Draft 2012 Budget |
26 October |
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Public Consultation Sessions |
Week of 31 Oct – Nov 4 |
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OPS Board Regular Meeting: Public Delegations and Review. Consideration and Approval of 2012 Budget |
November 28 |
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City Council Special Meeting: Approval of 2012 Budget |
November 30 |
2012 Operating Budget Forecast
The Operating Budget Forecast for 2012 that was tabled during the 2011 budget process is summarized in Table 2. The increase for 2012 was estimated at $5.4 million, net of assessment growth, or a 2.5% Police Tax Rate increase.
Staff is preparing the 2012 Draft Operating Budget in accordance with this forecast. Pressures and solutions have been identified during the budget development process so as to keep the tax rate increase at 2.5%. The issues will be itemized in the draft budget to be tabled by staff on 26 October 2011. This approach conforms with Council’s direction that the 2012 tax rate increase be a maximum of 2.5%.
Table 2
2012 Operating Forecast
As tabled during the 2011 Budget Process ($ Millions)
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Incremental Requirement |
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2012 |
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Maintain Services |
$10.2 |
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Growth |
$0.0 |
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New Services/Needs |
$0.2 |
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Efficiencies |
($0.7) |
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User Fees and Charges |
($0.2) |
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Incremental Requirement |
$9.5 |
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Less Assessment Growth at 2% |
($4.1) |
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Net Taxation Increase Requirement |
$5.4 |
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Police Tax Rate Increase |
2.5% |
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Public consultation is an integral part of the Board’s annual budget process. The public will have opportunities to attend public consultation meetings scheduled during the week of 31 October 2011 to 4 November 2011. These meetings are part of the City’s budget consultation process and will be held in various locations throughout the City. Staff from the Finance Section and the operational areas of OPS will be in attendance to answer questions about the Board’s budget.
Public delegations are also welcome at the 28 November 2011 meeting of the Board when it will consider, review and approve the 2012 Police Budget.
The financial implications of the 2012 budget and forecast are detailed in the body of the report.
The Police Tax Rate increase and timetable outlined in the report confirms to City Council’s direction and will allow the 2012 Operating and Capital Budget to be approved before the start of 2012.
(Original signed by)
Vern White
Chief of Police
