Central Saanich residents are invited to join Finance staff for a virtual information session about this year’s budget on Thursday, February 10, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Staff will present an overview of the District’s Draft 2022 Financial Plan, special projects and the District’s approach to managing escalating infrastructure costs and new infrastructure including active transportation. The session includes time for questions and discussion. Residents are asked to register for the online session at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/Budget2022. The recording will also be shared online following. If you aren't able to make the session and have questions for staff, please email Troy Ziegler, Director of Finance at Troy.Ziegler@CSaanich.ca.
The budget will be presented to Council along with a summary of the feedback during budget meetings in February through April; all meetings are livestreamed, and public participation is encouraged. Residents can obtain a copy of the budget at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/Budget2022 or from Municipal Hall as of January 31.
Council budget meetings
- Tuesday, Feb 22, 7 p.m. Introduction and Operations
- Monday, March 7, 7 p.m. Operations continued
- Monday, April 4, 7 p.m. Capital Plan
- Tuesday, April 19, 7 p.m. Budget Summary and Council consideration
Council meetings are being broadcast live and livestreamed on the District’s website. Residents who wish to speak or make a submission to Council can email municipalhall@csaanich.ca or call 250.652.4444 for information on how to participate in the meetings. The public can also email feedback to Council directly or have it published as part of the agenda package by emailing municipalhall@csaanich.ca.
2022 Draft Financial Plan highlights
- The District’s draft 2022 budget is balanced at $34.4 million.
- The 2022 proposed property tax increase for the year, based on the average home, is $104 or 4.84%.
- The increase includes a 1.77% for police operations, a 1.5% levy for infrastructure, including active transportation, a 1.49% increase for municipal operations and a 0.08% increase for library services. - Water and sewer budgets remain consistent with prior years.
- Measured tax increases account for non-discretionary increases, such as inflation and construction cost escalation, wage and benefit increases, Capital Regional District bulk water cost, and the needs of emergency services.
- New spending includes investments in police and fire services and implementing annual infrastructure replacement programs for underground assets.
- Spending priorities of the District are based on Council’s Strategic Plan, the 2019 Citizen Survey and past engagements on the District’s budget. Improving active transportation infrastructure and replacing existing water and sewer infrastructure are top priorities for 2022.
Read the 2022 Draft Budget Summary
“The District is in an era that requires us to address aging infrastructure while also investing in the community vision for the future,” said Chief Administrative Officer Christine Culham. “The proposed budget keeps tax increases as minimal as possible for taxpayers while ensuring we can address these needed investments.”
BACKGROUNDER
Each year, staff and Council determine how to balance the budget and ensure a measured approach to funding important maintenance work and new projects.
Central Saanich must balance a budget that accounts for inflation, service delivery and putting away funds for aging infrastructure, and invests in new roles of local government, such as climate change and emergency management. The District is focused on long-term, prudent fiscal management.
Central Saanich offers a range of services but has limited revenue sources. Services include Legislative and Administrative Services, Finance, Policing, Fire Protection, Planning, Building Inspections, Bylaw Enforcement, Community Services, Civil Engineering and Public Works Services including Roads, Drainage, Water, Sewer, and Parks.
Council’s Strategic Plan is focused on the following priorities for 2022