Hamilton’s 2019 City Manager’s departmental tax operating budget highlights transparency, measurement and accountability

HAMILTON, ON – With an emphasis on taxpayer value for money, performance excellence, and digital transformation, the City Manager’s Office presented their 2019 tax operating budget today to Hamilton City Council’s General Issues Committee. Staff provided a summary of 2018 accomplishments, measurements of success, and a look ahead to 2019 and beyond.

The City Manager’s Office, which is made up of the corporation’s administrative, human resources, strategic partnerships, revenue generation, communications, corporate initiatives, digital office and audit functions, Interim City Manager, Mike Zegarac, conveyed key focuses for the department for 2019. They include the launch of the Fraud and Waste hotline pilot, development of Smart City initiatives, including 311/report a problem, a focus on leadership development and staff training, delivery of Transgender Protocol training to employees, implementing the City’s Performance Excellence Dashboard, and continuing to build strategic partnerships and secure new revenue generation opportunities.

Overall, the City Manager’s Office is requesting a total increase of $172,120, or 1.6% from 2018.

City Manager’s Office Quick Facts for 2018:

• Hosted two summits that brought together community and industry leaders, and key members from all levels of government to discuss major topics that are key to Hamilton’s future success.
• Various follow-up audit reports issued, including Road Capital Construction, Housing Value for Money Audit, and Hamilton Fire Department Risk Assessment.
• Developed the City’s Digital Transformation and Smart City Strategy.
• Launched Open Data Portal - Open Hamilton.
• Increased development and training opportunities for staff, including the implementation of the Transgender Protocol employee training program, and corporate learning and development sessions.
• The City Enrichment Fund allocated funds to 281 community programs, totaling of $6.32 million.
• Coordinated communication efforts through many channels to increase the quality and timeliness of information being provided to residents on an ongoing basis.
• Realized $1.2 million in new revenues through strategic partnerships and sponsorships.

Council is expected to consider final approval of the City’s overall tax operating budget by late March. Learn more about the 2019 Budget.

Additional Resources

www.hamilton.ca/Budget2019