(Submission from Mayor George V. Harvie)
WHEREAS the City of Delta's financial stability and service delivery depend on receiving additional property taxes through new construction in our residential, commercial and industrial lands;
AND WHEREAS the City has relied on property taxes from new development growth to fund increases in operating costs and new collective agreements with CUPE, Fire and Police services;
AND WHEREAS it has been well documented that the Development Community in Metro Vancouver is facing an unprecedented challenging financial environment which has resulted in very limited new construction and additional tax revenues;
AND WHEREAS, an efficient and transparent budget process requires early planning and comprehensive analysis of potential efficiencies, operational improvements and revenue strategies.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
As part of the 2026 Budget Process the City Manager have staff undertake the following actions:
- Conduct a thorough review of current departmental budgets with an emphasis on identifying non-essential expenditures and areas where operational efficiencies can be achieved.
- Explore potential new revenue sources, and revenue enhancements that could support budget needs while maintaining service levels.
- Ensuring that Emergency Services funding and staffing for Fire, Police and core City Services are not affected.
- Present the findings of this work as well as any recommendations to Council.
AND THAT this motion promotes a transparent, inclusive, and responsible budget process that balances fiscal prudence with the delivery of essential city services.