Your 2022 Budget Talks

While deliberating the budgets, the Budget Review Committee will focus on, Health & Safety, Good Governance, Economic Prosperity, Creation of New Jobs, Fiscal Sustainability, and Infrastructure Renewal.

Financial impacts from COVID-19 continue to impact municipal budgets. However, the City's healthy financial position drives the net-zero base increase mandate. Despite the pandemic's disruption to daily life, the City has provided residents with a high level of service and continues to do so.

Council provided staff directions for preparing the 2022 budget, which included, but are not limited to such tasks as targeting a zero per cent tax increase after assessment and growth, preparing a capital budget and forecast for 2022-2031, and that all 10 years of the capital forecast be fully funded.

What is a Municipal Budget?

The City of Welland produces a responsible and business-ready city budget every year. It is one of the city's most important documents because it guides staff on allocating your tax dollars.

The overall budget is comprised of an Operating Budget, a Capital Budget, and a Water/Wastewater Budget.

CAPITAL BUDGET

In order to progress and grow, the City of Welland needs to provide existing services while planning for population growth, urban revitalization, and economic influxes.

Essentially, the city's Capital Budget must plan for the following year while preparing for long-term investments. City infrastructure projects are funded through the Capital Budget. A large part of that funding is directed toward maintaining and rehabilitating existing infrastructure. The city's Capital Budget also prepares spending parameters for new projects. The Capital Budget pays for new facilities, playgrounds, and infrastructure to support our growing city.

TAX SUPPORTED BUDGET

City programs and services are funded through the operating budget, which is designed to ensure the consistent delivery of a broad range of essential services. City of Welland tax dollars supports service delivery of Fire & Emergency Services, Public Works, Parks and Forestry, Recreation & Culture, Public Transit, and more.

WATER/WASTEWATER BUDGET

The city's Water/Wastewater Budget determines water rates for home and business owners within Welland boundaries. It also determines which water/wastewater projects will be initiated or completed within the budget year. The Water/Wastewater Budget ensures that residents and stakeholders continue to receive safe drinking water and efficient wastewater collection essential to a sustainable and healthy community.