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Preliminary 2027 estimates flag large levy pressure; asset management and staffing drive most of the increase
Summary
Staff told the finance committee early estimates show possible levy pressure of about 13.4% if all projected impacts are funded; asset-management contributions (4.2%), police staffing ($318,000) and debt servicing for the police station were among the drivers, and staff called the figures preliminary.
Treasurer Yelena Savick presented an early look at committed budget impacts for 2027 and said the figures are preliminary and intended to give council an early sense of pressures that will inform later budget choices.
Savick summarized key line items: a projected CPI adjustment for staff of 2.5%; an estimated 2.2% levy impact from staff and other operating items (subject to the final July statistics); police staffing increases of roughly $318,000 to reach full complement; a proposed asset-management contribution of 4.2% (the plan's recommendation if council chooses to adopt it); $262,000 in debt-servicing costs tied to the new police station; and an estimated $120,000/year in additional debt costs related to a new fire pumper. Savick said combining these preliminary items results in an estimated 13.4% levy impact, though she emphasized that some costs are rate-funded and that grant and reserve strategies could mitigate the tax impact.
On the police-station question, Savick clarified she separated the debt-servicing estimate from the 4.2% asset-management figure to make it easier for a future council to decide whether to fold the station costs into the asset-management contribution. She said the police-station debt servicing number matches prior budgeted figures after the debt term was extended.
The committee received the report for information. Staff will return with more detailed budget schedules as departmental submissions and consultant work are completed.
