2024-11-18 Finance Committee Minutes - Open Session
Finance Committee Meeting
Open Session
November 18, 2024
MINUTES – OPEN SESSION FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
NOVEMBER 18, 2024 AT 4:45 PM
MEETING CONDUCTED BY ELECTRONIC PARTICIPATION
Present: Mayor D. Noade Reardon
Councillor G. Sullivan
Councillor G. Norton
Councillor P. Radwan
Councillor G. Stewart
Also
Present: Chief Administrative Office B. McGovern
Commissioner of Finance and Treasurer K. Fudge
Fire Chief R. Nichol
Solicitor J. Boucher
Commissioner Human Resources S. Hossack
Commissioner Utilities & Infrastructure I. Fogan
Commissioner Growth & Community Services A. Poffenroth
Commissioner Public Works & Transportation M. Hugenholtz
Director Financial Services J. Forgie
Director Financial Services C. Lavigne
Intermediate Accountant V. Parikh
Director Legislative Services / City Clerk J. Taylor
Administrative Assistant K. Tibbits
1. Meeting Called to Order
Councillor Sullivan called the Finance Committee open session meeting to order.
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Minutes of October 23, 2024
Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Radwan:
RESOLVED that the minutes of October 23, 2024 be approved.
MOTION CARRIED.
3. Approval of Agenda
Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Radwan:
RESOLVED that the agenda of November 18, 2024 be approved.
MOTION CARRIED.
4. Disclosures of Conflict of Interest
No disclosures.
5. Consent Agenda
5.1 Amendment to the Wage Escalation Policy FAS-007 (Recommendation in Report)
Finance Committee Meeting
Open Session
November 18, 2024
Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Stewart:
RESOLVED that the Finance Committee:
1. Approve the amended Wage and Benefits Budget Escalation Policy; and
2. Recommend that Common Council amend the City of Saint John Wage and Benefits Budget
Escalation Policy FAS-007.
MOTION CARRIED.
6. Business Matters
6.1 2025 Draft General Operating Fund Budget
Commissioner Fudge reviewed the submitted presentation “2025 Draft General Fund Operating Budget”
and discussed Tax Base Growth and Community Funding Grant, Fair Tax and Multiplier, Council feedback,
and the operating budget recommendations for 2025 which includes a 3 cents reduction to the tax rate.
Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Stewart:
RESOLVED that the Finance Committee endorse the proposed 2025 General Operating Budget and direct
staff to bring forward the budget to Common Council for receive and file.
MOTION CARRIED with Councillor Radwan voting nay stating that a 3 cents reduction to the tax rate is still
a burden on taxpayers and is not competitive enough to encourage development, adding that she would
like to see the impact on the budget by reducing the rate by an additional 2 cents (5 cents in total).
6.2 2025 Saint John Water Operating Budget
Commissioner Fogan reviewed the submitted presentation “2025 Utility Fund Operating Budget” noting
that it is the seventh consecutive year with no rate increase for ratepayers. The budget also includes
rates for the Industrial Raw Water customers. Rate stabilization has been achieved despite the
Utility experiencing stagnate revenues and increasing costs.
Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Radwan:
RESOLVED that the Finance Committee approve the proposed 2025 Utility Fund Operating Budget
and forward to the next meeting of Common Council for approval of the first and second reading
of Water and Sewerage Bylaw amendments.
MOTION CARRIED.
6.3 Long Term Financial Plan Saint John Water
Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Stewart:
RESOLVED that Item 6.3 Long Term Financial Plan Saint John Water be tabled to the next Finance
Committee meeting.
MOTION CARRIED.
7. Information Items
7.1 Service Based Budget Template – Police
Submitted for information only.
8. Adjournment
Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Stewart:
RESOLVED that the Finance Committee meeting be adjourned.
MOTION CARRIED.
The Finance Committee open session meeting held on November 18, 2024, was adjourned at 6:05 p.m.