Budget Passed with Survivors

In brief, as shared on the 59 Carden St Blog, here are some of the highlights from the 2012 Guelph Budget:

• metered parking to increase 25 cents per hour ($130,000 revenue)
• hire an internal auditor ($132,700 cost)
• implement affordable bus pass program at mid-year at cost of $135,350
• $100,000 into downtown renewal fund
• remove $290,000 anticipated operational saving from sale of streetlight system (because staff doesn't think sale could be completed during 2012)
• reduce anticipated savings related to energy conservation from $500,000 to $400,000
• provide Guelph Police grant of up to $48,000 to pay for background checks for volunteers
• turned down $20,600 capital request from Macdonald Stewart Art Centre
• put $55,600 into library budget to fund development officer position
• spend $18,000 to subsidize U of G ice rentals until end of current hockey season
• spend $20,000 to design sidewalks for Woodlawn between Nicklin and Elmira
• move comprehensive parking strategy forward in capital budget (no tax impact)
• reinstate bus service on five remaining stat holidays at cost of $27,900
• identify $3.8 million in 2012 capital budget to move Baker Street redevelopment forward (no tax impact)

All this and more for the low, low 3.52 per cent tax hike. You're welcome, Guelph.