Budget Committee

Report

6th Meeting of the Budget Committee
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Council Chambers - Please check the City website for additional meeting detail information.
The City of London is situated on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek (AUh-nish-in-ah-bek), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-no-show-nee), Lūnaapéewak (Len-ah-pay-wuk) and Attawandaron (Add-a-won-da-run).
We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home. The City of London is currently home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit today.
As representatives of the people of the City of London, we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and live in this territory.
PRESENT:
  • Councillors E. Peloza (Chair), 
  • H. McAlister, 
  • S. Lewis, 
  • P. Cuddy, 
  • S. Stevenson, 
  • J. Pribil, 
  • S. Trosow, 
  • C. Rahman, 
  • S. Lehman, 
  • A. Hopkins, 
  • P. Van Meerbergen, 
  • S.Franke, 
  • D. Ferreira, 
  • S. Hillier, 
  • and Mayor J. Morgan 
ALSO PRESENT:
  • S. Datars Bere, A. Barbon, C. Cooper, S. Corman, J. Davies, K. Dickins, D. Escobar, M. Galczynski, O. Katolyk, R. Lamon, S. Mathers, K. Murray, K. Pawelec, J. Paradis, T. Pollitt, K. Scherr, M. Schulthess, C. Smith, P. Yeoman

    Remote Attendance:  E. Bennett, K. Clarke, A. Dunbar, E. Hunt, J. Millson, E. Skalski, T. Smuck

    The meeting is called to order at 9:31 AM; it being noted that Councillor S. Hillier was in remote attendance.

     

1.
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That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interests were disclosed.

2.
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  • Moved by:S. Lehman
    Seconded by:A. Hopkins

    That the budget presentation from the Deputy City Manager, Finance and Supports BE RECEIVED.


    Yeas: (15)J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman


    Motion Passed (15 to 0)

3.
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3.1
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  • Moved by:S. Franke
    Seconded by:P. Cuddy

    That it BE NOTED that the Mayor's Proposed Budget was provided to each member of Council, the City Clerk, and the public on October 28, 2024.


    Yeas: (15)J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman


    Motion Passed (15 to 0)
  • Moved by:S. Franke
    Seconded by:E. Peloza

    That it BE NOTED that the Parks Maintenance Service Enhancements and Supports based on Action 1 in Business Case #P-31 – Parks Operations Service Delivery Enhancements is considered on November 22, 2024 as item 3.1 in this report.




    ADDITIONAL VOTES:


  • Moved by:S. Lewis
    Seconded by:P. Cuddy

    That the motion be amended by adding another part to read as follows:

    That the budget impact to this Business Case P-31 - Parks Operations Service Delivery Enhancements BE OFFSET by a reduction in the annual contribution to the Climate Change Reserve Fund.


    Yeas: (9)J. Morgan, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, and C. Rahman
    Nays: (6)A. Hopkins, E. Peloza, H. McAlister, S. Trosow, S. Franke, and D. Ferreira


    Motion Passed (9 to 6)
  • Moved by:S. Franke

    That, pursuant to section 32.5 of the Council Procedure By-law, “shall the ruling of the Chair BE SUSTAINED?” 


    Yeas: (9)J. Morgan, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, and J. Pribil
    Nays: (6)A. Hopkins, H. McAlister, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman


    Motion Passed (9 to 6)
  • Moved by:S. Franke
    Seconded by:E. Peloza

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED to include Parks Maintenance Service Enhancements and Supports based on Action 1 in 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget Business Case #P-31 – Parks Operations Service Delivery Enhancements (5 permanent staff, $613,000):

    2025 Operating Expenditures:  $0                   2025 Tax Levy:  $0       2025 Capital Expenditures:  $404,000
    2026 Operating Expenditures:  $0                   2026 Tax Levy:  $0       2026 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2027 Operating Expenditures:  $0                   2027 Tax Levy:  $0       2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (11)J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, S. Trosow, and C. Rahman
    Nays: (4)P. Van Meerbergen, J. Pribil, S. Franke, and D. Ferreira


    Motion Passed (11 to 4)
  • Moved by:S. Franke
    Seconded by:E. Peloza

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED to include Parks Maintenance Service Enhancements and Supports based on Action 1 in 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget Business Case #P-31 – Parks Operations Service Delivery Enhancements (2 permanent staff, $214,000):

    2025 Operating Expenditures:  $0        2025 Tax Levy:  $0                   2025 Capital Expenditures:  $156,000
    2026 Operating Expenditures:  $0        2026 Tax Levy:  $0                   2026 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2027 Operating Expenditures:  $0        2027 Tax Levy:  $0                   2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (8)A. Hopkins, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, H. McAlister, S. Stevenson, S. Trosow, S. Franke, and D. Ferreira
    Nays: (7)J. Morgan, S. Lewis, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, J. Pribil, and C. Rahman


    Motion Passed (8 to 7)
  • Moved by:S. Franke
    Seconded by:E. Peloza

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED to include Parks Maintenance Service Enhancements and Supports based on Action 1 in 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget Business Case #P-31 – Parks Operations Service Delivery Enhancements (4 temporary staff, $149,000):

    2025 Operating Expenditures:  $0       2025 Tax Levy:  $0                   2025 Capital Expenditures:  $213,000
    2026 Operating Expenditures:  $0       2026 Tax Levy:  $0                   2026 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2027 Operating Expenditures:  $0       2027 Tax Levy:  $0                   2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (5)A. Hopkins, E. Peloza, S. Lehman, S. Stevenson, and S. Trosow
    Nays: (10)J. Morgan, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, P. Van Meerbergen, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, J. Pribil, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman


    Motion Failed (5 to 10)
  • Moved by:S. Franke
    Seconded by:E. Peloza

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED to include Parks Maintenance Service Enhancements and Supports based on Action 1 in 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget Business Case #P-31 – Parks Operations Service Delivery Enhancements (6 temporary staff, $276,000):

    2025 Operating Expenditures:  $0        2025 Tax Levy:  $0                   2025 Capital Expenditures:  $213,000
    2026 Operating Expenditures:  $0        2026 Tax Levy:  $0                   2026 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2027 Operating Expenditures:  $0        2027 Tax Levy:  $0                   2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (2)E. Peloza, and S. Trosow
    Nays: (13)J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman


    Motion Failed (2 to 13)
  • Moved by:C. Rahman
    Seconded by:S. Lewis

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED to include one-time funding of up to $947,000 to support Ark Aid’s Cronyn-Warner location from one-time 2024 surplus in the Housing Stability Services operating budget and that Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to contribute $947,000 from the Housing Stability Services 2024 operating budget surplus to the Operating Budget Contingency Reserve to facilitate this funding (it being noted that staff have indicated a report will come to Council with information on support for Ark Aid through the Federal encampment funding and/or Q3 and Q4 2024 IHAP funding):

    2025 Operating Expenditures:  $947,000           2025 Tax Levy:  $0              2025 Capital Expenditures:  $0

    2026 Operating Expenditures:  $0                      2026 Tax Levy:  $0              2026 Capital Expenditures:  $0

    2027 Operating Expenditures:  $0                      2027 Tax Levy:  $0              2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (15)J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman


    Motion Passed (15 to 0)

    ADDITIONAL VOTES:


  • Moved by:S. Stevenson
    Seconded by:H. McAlister

    That the Budget Committee recess at this time, for 30 minutes.




    Motion Passed

    The Budget Committee recesses at 11:57 AM and reconvenes at 12:34 PM.


  • Moved by:A. Hopkins
    Seconded by:S. Trosow

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED to include one-time funding of up to $205,000 to support Ark Aid from previously approved one-time funding from the Operating Budget Contingency Reserve (approved by Council on February 13, 2024):      
          
    2025 Operating Expenditures:  $205,000          2025 Tax Levy:  $0                         2025 Capital Expenditures:  $0

    2026 Operating Expenditures:  $0                        2026 Tax Levy:  $0                        2026 Capital Expenditures:  $0

    2027 Operating Expenditures:  $0                        2027 Tax Levy:  $0                        2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (15)J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman


    Motion Passed (15 to 0)
  • That it BE NOTED that the Budget Committee considered an amendment to the Mayor's 2025 Annual Budget Update to remove Budget Amendment #P-2 - "Pause Current City of London Annual Community Grants Program and Implement Reduce Program based on Availability of Funding".




    ADDITIONAL VOTES:


  • Moved by:S. Franke
    Seconded by:A. Hopkins

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED to remove Budget Amendment #P-2 – “Pause Current City of London Annual Community Grants Program and Implement Reduced Program based on Availability of Funding” ($496,000) and the annual contribution to the Economic Development Reserve Fund be reduced by an equivalent amount ($496,000):

    2025 Operating Expenditures:  $0              2025 Tax Levy:  $0                   2025 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2026 Operating Expenditures:  $0              2026 Tax Levy:  $0                   2026 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2027 Operating Expenditures:  $0              2027 Tax Levy:  $0                   2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (5)A. Hopkins, H. McAlister, S. Trosow, S. Franke, and D. Ferreira
    Nays: (10)J. Morgan, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, and C. Rahman


    Motion Failed (5 to 10)
  • That it BE NOTED that the Budget Committee considered an amendment to the Mayor's 2025 Annual Budget Update to remove Budget Amendment #P-3 - "Pause Neighbourhood Decision Making Program".




    ADDITIONAL VOTES:


  • Moved by:A. Hopkins
    Seconded by:S. Trosow

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED to remove Budget Amendment #P-3 – “Pause Neighbourhood Decision Making Program”:

    2025 Operating Expenditures:  $250,000        2025 Tax Levy:  $250,000          2025 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2026 Operating Expenditures:  $250,000        2026 Tax Levy:  $250,000          2026 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2027 Operating Expenditures:  $250,000        2027 Tax Levy:  $250,000          2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (6)J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, H. McAlister, S. Trosow, S. Franke, and D. Ferreira
    Nays: (9)S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, and C. Rahman


    Motion Failed (6 to 9)
  • Moved by:S. Trosow
    Seconded by:D. Ferreira

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED to include funding for the London Extreme Clean and Hoarding program based on 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget Business Case #P-15 – “Hoarding/Extreme Clean Program” to be funded from the Life Stabilization Operating Budget:

    2025 Operating Expenditures:  $0          2025 Tax Levy:  $0            2025 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (15)J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman


    Motion Passed (15 to 0)

    ADDITIONAL VOTES:


  • Moved by:A. Hopkins
    Seconded by:D. Ferreira

    That the Budget Committee recess at this time, for 10 minutes.




    Motion Passed

    The Budget Committee recesses at 2:12 PM and reconvenes at 2:26 PM.


  • That it BE NOTED that the Budget Committee considered an amendment to the Mayor's 2025 Annual Budget Update to include funding for the Housing Stability Bank Expansion based on 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget Business Case #P-16 - "Housing Stability Bank Expansion".




    ADDITIONAL VOTES:


  • Moved by:S. Trosow
    Seconded by:D. Ferreira

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED to include funding for the Housing Stability Bank Expansion based on 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget Business Case #P-16 – “Housing Stability Bank Expansion”:

    2025 Operating Expenditures:  $700,000           2025 Tax Levy:  $700,000            2025 Capital Expenditures:  $0

    2026 Operating Expenditures:  $700,000           2026 Tax Levy:  $700,000            2026 Capital Expenditures:  $0

    2027 Operating Expenditures:  $700,000           2027 Tax Levy:  $700,000            2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (6)A. Hopkins, E. Peloza, H. McAlister, S. Trosow, S. Franke, and D. Ferreira
    Nays: (9)J. Morgan, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, and C. Rahman


    Motion Failed (6 to 9)
  • That it BE NOTED that the Budget Committee considered an amendment to the Mayor's 2025 Annual Budget Update by reducing the London Transit Commission budget for the 2026 Budget Update. To reinstate this funding, LTC must submit an amendment for the 2026 Budget Update, the online booking system be operational and that a plan for implementing the 10,000 additional service hours for 2025 must be provided to Council no later than Q1 2025. The financials are outlined in the 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget Business Case #P-51 – “Transit Service Hours Growth”




    ADDITIONAL VOTES:


  • Moved by:C. Rahman
    Seconded by:J. Morgan

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED by reducing the London Transit Commission budget for the 2026 Budget Update. To reinstate this funding, LTC must submit an amendment for the 2026 Budget Update, the online booking system be operational and that a plan for implementing the 10,000 additional service hours for 2025 must be provided to Council no later than Q1 2025. The financials are outlined in the 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget Business Case #P-51 – “Transit Service Hours Growth”:

    2025 Operating Expenditures:  $0                 2025 Tax Levy:  $0                   2025 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2026 Operating Expenditures:  -$500,000     2026 Tax Levy:  -$500,000       2026 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2027 Operating Expenditures:  $0                 2027 Tax Levy:  $0                   2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (5)J. Morgan, S. Lewis, P. Van Meerbergen, P. Cuddy, and C. Rahman
    Nays: (10)A. Hopkins, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, and D. Ferreira


    Motion Failed (5 to 10)
  • Moved by:J. Morgan
    Seconded by:E. Peloza

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED to remove Budget Amendment #WWT-1 (Budget Increase for Stormwater Management Facility (SWM) Land Acquisition):

    2025 Operating Expenditures:  $0          2025 Rate Impact:  $0          2025 Capital Expenditures: -$1,964,000
    2026 Operating Expenditures:  $0          2026 Rate Impact:  $0          2026 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2027 Operating Expenditures:  $0          2027 Rate Impact:  $0          2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (15)J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman


    Motion Passed (15 to 0)
  • That it BE NOTED that the Budget Committee considered an amendment to the Mayor's 2025 Annual Budget Update by reducing the London Police Services operating budget.




    ADDITIONAL VOTES:


  • Moved by:S. Franke
    Seconded by:A. Hopkins

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED by reducing the London Police Service operating budget:

    2025 Operating Expenditures:  -$1,616,600                     2025 Tax Levy:  -$1,616,600                   2025 Capital Expenditures:  $0

    2026 Operating Expenditures:  -$1,616,600                     2026 Tax Levy:  -$1,616,600                   2026 Capital Expenditures:  $0

    2027 Operating Expenditures:  -$1,616,600                     2027 Tax Levy:  -$1,616,600                   2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (4)A. Hopkins, H. McAlister, S. Trosow, and S. Franke
    Nays: (11)J. Morgan, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman


    Motion Failed (4 to 11)

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  • Moved by:D. Ferreira
    Seconded by:S. Stevenson

    That the meeting BE RECESSED


    Yeas: (12)J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
    Nays: (2)S. Lewis, and P. Cuddy
    Absent: (1)P. Van Meerbergen


    Motion Passed (12 to 2)

    The meeting adjourned at 4:24 PM.