City budget

City budgets

The City of Quinte West’s budget is a financial plan that outlines the estimated revenue and expenses needed to fund the day-to-day costs of delivering services such as fire protection, maintenance of parks, economic development services, and community events, and long-term investments, such as renewing existing roadways, renovating City buildings and arenas, and buying equipment used to provide services.  The budget is developed based on input from various city departments, community members, Council and other stakeholders, to ensure the City’s financial alignment with the deliverables of its strategic plan and priorities for the future.

2023 approved budget

Quinte West Council voted to approve the City’s 2023 budget at the March 22, 2023 Special Council – Budget meeting. The approved 2023 budget of $93.8 million reflects an overall 5.36% total tax increase that will support city services, roads, facilities and key projects.

Highlights of the 2023 budget include:

● A capital investment of 2% of the 5.36% total tax levy ($1.3 million) will fund long-term investments in key City projects. ● $28 million in funding to external agencies that deliver important community programs and services, including public health and health care services, conservation authorities, transit, and libraries. ● $850,000 in combined increased funding to local Police, Fire and Emergency Services. ● Contribute $150,000 to the Housing Affordability reserve in support of improving access and supply of affordable housing in Quinte West. ● $476,000 in Community Fund grants to over 40 local organizations that provide arts and culture, youth, seniors, and safety programs, and deliver community events. ● $800,000 in additional funding to the City’s salting, sanding, and snow plowing Winter Control program.

2023 budget process

At the start of the City’s budget review process in January, staff presented a draft 2023 budget identifying key financial considerations facing the City. Among the considerations presented was the impact of inflation on the rising costs of maintaining and improving city services, roads, parks, and facilities. Like other municipalities and individuals in today’s economy, the City of Quinte West is paying more for existing goods and services. At meetings in February and March, Council received feedback from residents and community members on the City’s budget considerations. In response, at the budget meeting on February 15, Council directed staff to bring forward options that assist in limiting the City’s overall tax rate increase.

• Watch the Jan. 31, 2023 budget meeting here.
• Watch the Feb. 15, 2023 budget meeting here. 
• Watch the March 1, 2023 budget meeting here.
• Watch the March 22, 2023 budget meeting here.

Budget facts

Each year, the City budgets for expenditures in the following areas.

• The capital budget is based on a ten-year plan that outlines how the City will spend money on long-term investments, such as renewing existing roadways, renovating City buildings and arenas, and buying equipment used to provide services. 
• The operating budget outlines the City’s annual expected revenue and expenditures, and funds the day-to-day costs of delivering services such as fire protection, maintenance of parks, economic development services, and the delivery of community events. 
• The water and wastewater budget outlines the annual expenses related to ensuring clean drinking water and the treatment of wastewater, as well as the maintenance and repair of wastewater treatment facilities and sewer systems. 
• Funding to external agencies supports local organizations that deliver important community programs and  services, including public health and health care services, conservation authorities, transit, and libraries.

Multi-year budget

The multi-year budget format ensures the strategic goals and priorities identified by Council in the City’s Strategic Plan are appropriately budgeted for over each four-year term. This budget format consists of annual capital and operating budget, 10-year Capital budget forecasts, and 4-year operating budget forecasts in alignment with each four-year term of Council. 

Capital and operating budgets

Funding of this City’s capital and operating budgets is achieved through user fees, service charges, grants, reserves and property taxation. Council reviews and approves capital budgets and operating budgets on an annual basis.  The City budget considers legislated responsibilities and the expected service levels the community desires. Council reviews and approves capital budgets and operating budgets on an annual basis. Below you will find the budget summaries. For more information on the budget Presentations and Discussions, please review council agendas and minutes.

Operating Budgets

		2022	2023
City (Net Expenditures)		$69,079,500	$74,272,800
Water/wastewater (Net Expenditures)		$19,377,550	$21,723,300

Capital Budgets

To view the below chart in full-screen click the [ ] icon on the bottom-right of chart. Property tax rate increase

		2022	2023
Increase for capital		1.00%	2.00%
Increase for operating		0.93%	3.36%
Total increase		1.93%	5.36%
* average increase on residential bill

Water + sewer rates

		2022	2023
Base charge – water		$24	$25
Consumption per cubic metre		$1.31	$1.34
Base charge – sewer		$37	$38
Consumption per cubic metre		$2.00	$2.10

Water + sewer rates for Prince Edward Estates

		2022	2023
Base charge – water		$24	$25
Consumption per cubic metre		$1.31	$1.34
Base charge – sewer		$91	$91
Consumption per cubic metre		$2.00	$2.10