Hamilton’s 2019 Corporate Services budget highlights financial sustainability

HAMILTON, ON – With an emphasis on financial stability, the Corporate Services Department presented their 2019 tax operating budget yesterday 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 Corporate Services Department is comprised of Finance, Customer Service, Provincial Offences Administration, IT, Legal, Risk Management and City Clerk functions and contributes towards the City of Hamilton’s vision to be the best place to raise a child and age successfully. The department provides critical support services and targeted professional advice in the field of law, risk management, information technology, municipal governance, financial management, provincial offences administration, and customer service. During the presentation, the Acting General Manager, Brian McMullen outlined a number of initiatives the department aims to carry out in 2019.

Overall, the Corporate Services Department is requesting a total increase of $560,930 or 2.0% from 2018.

Corporate Services Quick Facts for 2018:

• AA+ Credit Rating & Stable Outlook from S&P Global Ratings
• 2018 Gold Award from AVA Digital Award in the E-Learning category for the Online Customer Service Training program.
• Successfully facilitated the relocation of the Provincial Offences Administration (POA) office and courtrooms as well as identified Municipal Administration Offices to the newly renovated and accessible facility at 50 Main St. East.
• 2,255 Marriage Licenses Iissued
• Responded to 590,688 resident enquiries through the City’s Customer Contact Centre (546-CITY).
• 44.2% of taxpayers enrolled in the City’s Pre-authorized Payment Plan for Property Taxes.

This is the final departmental budget presentation for 2019. 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

• 2019 Corporate Services Preliminary Operating Budget presentation
• www.hamilton.ca/Budget2019