Committee of the Whole Minutes - January 30, 2025

Presentations

5.1 2025 - 2029 Draft 5-Year Financial Plan

• M. Dillabaugh, Director of Financial Services, presented information regarding next steps for the Budget.

Public Participation

MOVED BY: GUIRY
SECONDED: HARDER

THAT the Committee of the Whole extend public participation until 8:30 pm.

Motion CARRIED.

• Public Participation opened at 7:08 pm.

First Time Speakers

• S. Rossander, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker expressed concerns regarding the budget survey. The speaker expressed concern regarding potential tariffs.

• M. Wignall, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker expressed appreciation for the action taken regarding bullying in Council Chambers. The speaker expressed concern regarding the final property tax amount. The speaker expressed concern regarding the Capital Regional District tax amount for water infrastructure added to the cost of property taxes.

• M. Morton, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker expressed concerns regarding road lines, garbage and sidewalk projects being funded by Development Cost Charges.

• L. Foxall, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker expressed concern regarding the property tax amount. The speaker urged that cost saving measures be explored. The speaker expressed concern regarding renovation funds for the flood restoration at City Hall not being used for the RCMP building expansion. The speaker expressed concern about Council managing large projects. The speaker expressed concern regarding the increase of property taxes in previous years.

Second Time Speakers

• M. Morton, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker expressed concern regarding the lack of sports facilities available. The speaker urged Council to take ownership of the budget.

• S. Rossander, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker inquired if emails are going to be responded to. The speaker expressed appreciation of the frequently asked questions section of the City's website that was available in years prior and inquired if the City would be willing to make this tool available again on the City's website.

• M. Wignall, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker inquired about the discrepancy of the 2025 budget line-item amount reflected for the Woodlands Park purchase compared to what the amount that was publicly stated.

• Response from Staff:

  • M. Dillabaugh, Director of Finance, responded to the inquiry - The amount stated on the line item in the budget is the actual BC Assessment value of the property and must be accounted for. The amount paid was 9.8 million dollars and a tax receipt for 8 million dollars will be issued to the sellers. 1 million will be put aside for purchases.

• S. Perry, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker expressed concern regarding the cost of the sidewalk infill projects. The speaker inquired about future sports fields. The speaker expressed concern regarding the lack of sports facilities.

• A. Allen, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker inquired about the cost of the [-comm 911 fee being proposed by the Federal Government and why it was not accounted for in previous budgets.

• Response from Staff:

  • M. Dillabaugh, Director of Finance, responded to the inquiry - The [-comm 911 fee was not accounted for as the City of Langford, in conjunction with nine other municipalities, have continued to work with the Province of British Columbia to deter that charge.

• L. Foxall, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker inquired about future sidewalk infill projects and the possible alignment to future development projects. The speaker suggested cost cutting at the senior administration level.

Third Time Speakers

• M. Wignall, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker inquired about compacted gravel being used as an interim measure for the sidewalk on Latoria.

• L. Foxall, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker inquired about the line item in the budget for 2027 election costs.

• Response from Staff:

  • M. Dillabaugh, Director of Finance, responded to the inquiry - There was a typo on the budget line for elections on January 20, 2025, that was corrected January 27, 2025. The line item is for the cost of an election in 2026.

• D. Ferguson, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker expressed concern regarding the potential increase of property taxes. The speaker expressed concern regarding the survey. The speaker expressed concern regarding the [-Comm 911 fee.

• P. Hamilton, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker expressed support for the proposed budget. The speaker expressed support for the sidewalk infill projects.

• M. Morton, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker inquired about the sidewalk projects being funded by Development Cost Charges.

• Response from Staff:

  • K. Balzer, Director of Engineering and Public Works, responded to the inquiry - The sidewalk infill program is funded by amenities, which are paid for by developers.

• J. Ralph, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker requested that Council focuses on the needs, and not the wants regarding the budget. The speaker expressed concern regarding the lack of preparation of the potential E-Comm 911 fee. The speaker expressed concern regarding the survey. The speaker expressed concern regarding car and bike lane infrastructure.

• M. Wignall, Langford Resident — re: Item 5.1

  • The speaker expressed support for amenities in Langford. The speaker expressed concern with how amenities will be paid for.

• Public Participation closed at 7:47 pm.

• Staff provided clarification to the Committee regarding issues that were raised throughout the Public Participation period.

Adjournment

MOVED BY: YACUCHA
SECONDED: WAGNER

THAT the Committee adjourn the meeting.

• The Chair adjourned the meeting at 8:07 pm.
• Motion CARRIED.

Certified Correct - Corporate Officer

MARK MORLEY
ACTING MAYOR

Marie Watmough
Corporate Officer