Council

THAT the minutes of the Council Meeting of June 13, 2017 be adopted and circulated as read.

THAT the following items, as listed on the Finance, Administration and Operations Committee agenda are recommended by the Committee to be passed by Consent Agenda:

THAT Council approve the elimination of the vacancy rebate program for the 2017 taxation year commencing with the 2018 budget; and THAT the residual funds from the elimination of the vacancy rebate program be applied to reduce the commercial and industrial ratios; and THAT the City Treasurer advise the Ministry of Finance accordingly.

THAT the following be deleted: "THAT Council approve the elimination of the vacancy rebate program for the 2017 taxation year commencing with the 2018 budget"; and THAT the following be inserted: "THAT council approve a change to the vacancy rebate program limiting its use to a period not to exceed two (2) calendar years. The rebate amount is to be 100% of the current allowable amount in year one and 50% of the current allowable amount in year two. All current unit vacancies that have made historical application for the entirety of both 2016 and 2017 taxation years will not be allowed to apply in the 2018 tax year or beyond until an occupancy has occurred and confirmed by permit or other means."

THAT Council approve a change to the vacancy rebate program limiting its use to a period not to exceed two (2) calendar years. The rebate amount is to be 100% of the current allowable amount in year one and 50% of the current allowable amount in year two. All current unit vacancies that have made historical application for the entirety of both 2016 and 2017 taxation years will not be allowed to apply in the 2018 tax year or beyond until an occupancy has occurred and confirmed by permit or other means. THAT the residual funds from the elimination of the vacancy rebate program be applied to reduce the commercial and industrial ratios; and THAT the City Treasurer advise the Ministry of Finance accordingly.

That Council approve the following guidelines for the 2018 budget:  2018 levy increase is not to exceed 3.51%  City wide net operating budgets are not to exceed 2.00%  Departmental budgets based upon existing service levels  Incremental items and amendments to service levels due to legislative changes to be presented to Council separately  User Fees to be reviewed and updated in light of legislation and benchmarks  Increase the contribution to the Finance Plan by $200,000  Increase contribution to Reserves by $200,000

THAT the matter be referred to the 3rd week of September.

THAT the 2018 levy increase is not to exceed 3%.

That Council approve the following guidelines for the 2018 budget:  2018 levy increase is not to exceed 3%  City wide net operating budgets are not to exceed 2.00%  Departmental budgets based upon existing service levels  Incremental items and amendments to service levels due to legislative changes to be presented to Council separately  User Fees to be reviewed and updated in light of legislation and benchmarks  Increase the contribution to the Finance Plan by $200,000  Increase contribution to Reserves by $200,000

THAT Council for the City of Brockville request that Staff undertake an immediate review of the 10 Year Capital Plan and the Operating Plan; and THAT due to lower MPAC Assessments, closing of major industry, reductions is sewer/water revenue and lack of source funding for current projects and/or their continued operation, the only prudent fiscal policy would be halt all non-committed funding until such a review is complete.

THAT By-laws Numbered 046-2017 to 049-2017 be introduced and the same be now read a first, second and third time, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the Seal of the Corporation and be recorded.

THAT By-law Number 050-2017 to confirm the Proceedings of Council at its meeting held on June 27, 2017 be read a first, second and third time, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the Seal of the Corporation and be recorded.

THAT Council adjourn its proceedings until the next regular meeting scheduled for July 25, 2017 .