Finance Committee Highlights – February 18, 2021

During yesterday’s City of Saint John Finance Committee meeting, the following matters were discussed and approved for either immediate action or as recommendations to Council. The items will be included in the agenda for Common Council on Monday, February 22.

• Recommendation: In keeping with the City’s commitment to strong fiscal responsibility and achieving its Long-Term Financial Plan for taxpayers, the Committee recommends a reduced tax rate for 2022.
• Recommendation: To address potential revenue shortfalls associated with COVID-19, the Committee recommends the use of operating reserves from the money provided through the Federal Government’s Safe Restart program to provide valued service delivery to the community, with no additional spending above the approved 2021 operating budget.
• Recommendation: The Committee recommends a historic amendment to the 2021 Capital Budget to include the Fundy Quay development project, one of the largest development opportunities the City has seen in recent years.
• Actioned: The Committee issued letters to both the Saint John Police Commission and the Saint John Transit Commission to reinforce the importance of controlling costs by following the City’s financial management policies.
• Actioned: The City will apply for Government of Canada Healthy Communities Initiative Funds to support vibrant public places, improve mobility options and investment in digital solutions.

For more on this and other matters contributing to growth and prosperity in Saint John, visit www.saintjohn.ca.

Here to help – For inquiries related to municipal services, contact the City of Saint John Customer Service Centre at (506) 658-4455, or visit us in person on the Ground Floor of City Hall, 15 Market Square, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.