November 20: 2025 budget amendments discussed at Council in first of two amendment meetings

Click to watch the web streamed video.

On November 20, 2024, City Council held the first of two scheduled budget amendment meetings to review amendments submitted by the November 14 deadline. Discussions focused on the 2025 proposed budget, initially presented by the Mayor on November 4.

Council members reviewed 12 proposed amendments to the budget. Each amendment was introduced and Councillors had five minutes to discuss or pose questions about each proposal. Of the 12 amendments proposed seven (records and information management coordinator; communications specialist; economic development officer; a part-time seasonal garbage collector for Welland, including Cooks Mills and Dain City, on Saturdays and Sundays from April to September; a part-time parks project coordinator; civic square plaza revitalization; Empire Sportsplex maintenance of $50,000), were included in the strictly conditional category to be considered in the final budget.

Two amendments dealing with speed limit signs were deferred to November 27, as a staff report dealing with the issue will come to Council on November 26.

One amendment was proposed to water and waste water budget: increasing the waste water fixed rate to the provincial average of 41 per cent, was defeated.

Any amendments that were adopted by Council are included in a strictly conditional category at this time. A second amendment meeting is planned for November 27, with final approvals scheduled for December 4.

Staff provided detailed financial analyses for each amendment, including estimated impacts on tax levies and rates, ensuring Council members had the necessary data to make informed decisions.

This structured, multi-step process aims to ensure transparency and careful consideration of potential fiscal impacts. As the 2025 budget moves toward finalization, Welland City Council is committed to delivering a municipal budget that balances fiscal responsibility and with community needs and priorities.