BUDGET AND SERVICE OVERVIEW - COUNCIL BUDGET DELIBERATIONS November 10 & 12, 2020 - Meetings
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BUDGET AND
COUNCIL BUDGET DELIBERATIONS
SERVICE November 10 & 12, 2020
OVERVIEW
2021 Budget ProcessTown of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
Contents
Overview of Budget ...................................................................................................................................... 2
General Operating Fund ........................................................................................................................... 2
Recreation Complex– Planning for the Future...................................................................................... 3
Employee/FTE Count............................................................................................................................. 5
Tax Rate – Comparison ......................................................................................................................... 7
Capital Budget ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Summary of Changes to Ten Year Plan that impacted the 2021 Capital Budget.................................. 8
2020 Capital Project Highlights ............................................................................................................. 9
Utility Budget .......................................................................................................................................... 10
General Government Departments Budgets and Operational Overviews 2021 ........................................ 12
CAO ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Human Resources ................................................................................................................................... 13
Finance .................................................................................................................................................... 15
Corporate Services - Town Clerk; By-Law Enforcement; Records Management, Communications;
Facilities Management; etc. .................................................................................................................... 19
Economic Development .......................................................................................................................... 21
Fire and Rescue Department Budget and Operational Overview 2021 ..................................................... 23
Overview of Fire Department Capital Projects ................................................................................... 26
Engineering and Public Works Department Budget and Operational Overview 2021 ............................... 28
Overview of Engineering and Public Works Capital Projects (Over $100,000)................................... 31
Parks, Recreation and Community Relations Department Budget and Operational Overview 2021 ........ 34
Overview of Parks and Recreation Capital Projects (Over $100,000)................................................. 36
1Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
Overview of Budget
This document provides Town Council with the following information:
• A high-level overview of the proposed 2021 General Operating Fund; Utility Operating Fund; and
Capital budgets. This overview will include notable highlights; significant budget adjustments;
etc. The budget detail is still provided in the complete budget binder package that has been
provided to Council.
• An overview of the employee count between 2019 and 2021.
• An overview of the key budget changes and a summary of core services offered by the Town’s
departments. This section also includes a list of strategic and operational priorities for 2021 as
well as an overview of the core services all departments provide. Each section on the various
departments was prepared by the individual Director for their area of accountability.
General Operating Fund
Highlights of the proposed budget before Council include:
• The property tax rate will remain at 1.5926 per $100 of assessment. This direction was included
in the budget parameters approved by Council in October.
• The Province of New Brunswick has officially provided the Town with its assessment base total
for 2021 and it represents a 2.83% increase over our amount from 2020. The Ten-Year Financial
Plan assumed a 2% increase, so this is a slightly better result than we had anticipated.
• The Town’s Equalization Grant from the Province of New Brunswick in 2021 will be $2,521,193.
That is equal to $162,000 less than what the Town budgeted to receive in 2020 from this
program, which equates to 1 cent on the tax rate.
• The General Government revenue account sees a significant increase of over 90%, however that
increase is related to a one- time transaction, the payment on close of the sale of the Chocolate
River Station. As was directed by Council, those funds are to be transferred to the “Capital
Reserve” account therefore that additional expenditure is reflected in that section of the Town’s
General Operating Budget.
• The salary and benefit budgets were adjusted to reflect contractual arrangements; the salary
adjustments per the non-bargaining competitive pay policy; the fire department’s salary budget
for an additional firefighter/paramedic position that is to be added per the contract settlement;
and adjustments to benefits including Worksafe NB rates.
• The Fire Department’s budget is increased by 8.2% in 2021 compared to the previous year which
is a significant jump. One of the largest factors in this increase is a new budget item of $93,000
that the Codiac Regional Policing Authority is now charging the Town of Riverview for fire
dispatch services.
• The Codiac Transpo Budget for 2021 is $63,000 below the initial 2020 budget amount, however
the total budget amount of $591,000 for 2021 is significantly higher than the actual
2Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
expenditures for transit in 2020. Codiac Transpo operated at about 55% of capacity for the
majority of 2020 due to the impact of Covid-19 and the social distancing restrictions. The plan
for 2021 is that the majority of the Codiac Transpo transit network will operate at 70% capacity
of its normal service levels. The anticipation is the additional services hours will increase service
for our riders during important periods of the day including off peak hours and on Sunday.
Recreation Complex– Planning for the Future
Riverview Town Council has identified a new multi-use Recreation Complex as a long-term strategic
priority for the community. The facility is currently proposed for substantial construction in 2022 and
2023. Town actions to date included:
• Completed a feasibility study on the concept of a Wellness Centre in 2015, which included
engaging community groups and users.
• In 2017, the Town invested in a fundraising analysis to determine the fundraising potential for
this project.
• A preliminary proposed project budget of $35 million starting in late 2021 (but mostly in 2022
and 2023) is included in the Town’s 10-year capital budget plan. Key components in this
proposed facility include: a new pool with additional amenities, a turf fieldhouse concept with a
walking track, and community space.
• Allocated funds into Capital Reserves for this future project.
• In 2019, the Town allocated funding in the Operating budget to support the initiation of a
community led fundraising initiative; investing in fundraising consulting support for the Steering
Committee; established a project coordinator role to move this project forward; and to initiate a
detailed functional and technical program for the facility.
The Steering Committee, led by Lawrence Forbes, developed the framework and policy
structure for a fundraising campaign that will be executed by a separate fundraising committee.
The campaign is scheduled to be launched in 2021. Furthermore, Colliers Project Leaders and
Fougere Menchenton Architecture were awarded the functional and technical program RFP and
completed it and presented to Council for endorsement in early 2020.
• Identified land in the Mill Creek Development Region, which is owned by the Town, that would
be ideal for the future home for this facility.
• In 2020, operating funds were invested in continuing to support the fundraising campaign,
finalizing the business case for the facility, completing an economic impact study, and continued
progress with the project and construction planning for this facility.
• In the 2021 Operating Fund budget, there is $2.3 million allocated for Transfer to Capital
Reserves with a portion of those funds to support this project.
• An amount of $144,000 is budgeted in the Operating Fund for this project this year to continue
to invest in the project coordination, consultants and prepare project tenders for schematic
design work. A portion of the funds will also be used to support the launch of the fundraising
campaign, which was moved to 2021 due to the impacts of Covid-19.
3Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
This project continues to make positive progress towards a construction schedule planned for late 2021,
2022 and 2023. The two most notable risk factors that could impact the scope and timeline of this
project are:
• Currently the Provincial Government has not allocated funding over the next couple of years for
their share of the Federal and Provincial Ten (10) Year infrastructure program specific to the
recreation portion of the program. This project would be well positioned to access some of
those funds as it aligns with the overall objectives of that program. The project has received
preliminary federal government political support as the Town received letters of support in 2019
from the two local MPs. The Province has not provided any indication publicly at this time that
the current infrastructure funding program will be receiving any new funding in the next few
years. The Town will continue to advocate for this project in 2021 and the success of the local
fundraising campaign will be a key asset to increase the profile of the project.
• Construction costs have continued to escalate over the past few years for a number of local
projects. Since the project is not until 2022 and 2023 it still needs to be determined if the
projected budget is sufficient for the proposed project scope. The technical and functional
program provided closer estimates, while the schematic design will provide a stronger baseline
for the projected construction costs.
Council has established a number of criteria before a “go/no go decision” will be made in 2021 to start
any significant capital investment in the pre-construction and construction of this Complex.
4Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
Employee/FTE (Full Time Equivalent) Count
The following table summarizes the status of Town employees between 2018 and 2020 to provide
Council an overview of the notable changes that are being proposed for next year.
Department Type of Employee 2019 2020 2021 variance Notes
Corporate Services Permanent - non bargaining/ 5 6 6
term
Permanent bargaining 1 1 1
sub total 6 7 7 0
Finance Permanent - non bargaining 2 2 2
Permanent bargaining 5 5 5
sub total 7 7 7 0
Human Resources Permanent - non bargaining 2 2 2
sub total 2 2 2 0
Economic Permanent - non bargaining 2 2 2
Development
sub total 2 2 2 0
Fire & Rescue Permanent - non bargaining 3 3 3 New Firefighter/Paramedic per
Contract Settlement
Permanent bargaining 19 20 21
sub total 22 23 24 1
Engineering & Permanent - non bargaining 4 4 4
Public Works Permanent bargaining 27 27 27
sub total 31 31 31 0
Parks & Recreation Permanent - non bargaining 6 6 6
Permanent bargaining 24 24 24
Term 1 1 1
sub total 31 31 31 0
Total 101 103 104 1
Note:
This table does not include the casual employees numbers.
-Staff position review in Corporate Services and Parks, Recreation & Community Relations would result in additional FTEs
In comparison, the City of Moncton has 690 full time employees and the City of Dieppe has 196.
Town Staffing Complement
The Town’s staffing complement has continued to evolve over the last number of years. Since 2016, the
Town has added 11 FTE positions, with many of those FTEs being bargaining positions (4 IAFF & 3 CUPE).
The remaining non-bargaining positions were added to address gaps identified in management oversight
specifically with facilities management and records management. While there has been an increase in
5Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
the number of employees over the past number of years, the Town has been strategic in its approach to
adding permanent positions and ensuring that departments establish sound operational cases for those
additions. Over that same six (6) year period, there have been several other positions department
leadership have requested or considered that have not been approved.
As the Town continues to grow by adding new streets, trails, park infrastructure, programs and services
that places additional operational challenges on departments to meet existing services level
expectations with the same resources. There will need to be decisions made in the future, and possibly
during the strategic plan update, on whether the Town must continue to grow the staff complement to
continue to deliver our existing service levels or look at amending the service levels and/or program
offerings that we deliver to the community (i.e., time frame to clean streets after a snow storm; level of
mowing completed during summer; number of programs; etc.)
There were a number of proposed positions brought forward by departments during the budget process
this year. With the unknown impacts of Covid-19 on the Town’s operations and future financial capacity,
Senior Management questioned whether this is the right time to add new positions or delay to see the
long-term economic impact of Covid-19. As well, the Senior Management Team was directed to manage
their overall operational budget increase to 2.0% so that also establishes fiscal limits to operational
decisions that the team can make. Below is a quick summary of a few positions discussed during the
budget process this year. If all positions were added to the budget, the financial impact to the Town
would have been over $300,000. Funding was not added to the budget for all the positions
contemplated.
Corporate Services & Administration
• Enhancing social media communication has been identified as a key Council priority. The CAO is
currently completing a review of the Town’s communication practices including the size of the
staff and comparing that to other NB municipalities. That review is not anticipated to be
completed until late 2020 or early 2021 after the budget is finalized. If it is determined a new
position is going to be established the timing of that new hire should also be coordinated with
when our permanent Communications Coordinator returns.
• The Town continues to increase its use and reliance on technology in the delivery of services and
engagement with our residents. While the Town currently outsources the majority of its
Information Technology (IT) operations to a third party, the Town currently lacks internal
expertise in IT to ensure we are receiving the necessary services from our provider. As well, we
do not have an individual within the organization centrally coordinating and overseeing our
expansion in the use of technology and whether we are making the right IT infrastructure and
software choices and whether we are optimizing the benefits of those investments. Senior
Management has identified this as a notable organizational gap that requires attention.
o Additional funds have been included in the 2021 General Operating budget and can be
combined with the existing program review budget to fund one of these two positions
in 2021. However, there are only funds for one position and those dollars will be
6Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
allocated to the position that the current reviews determine is the Town’s number
one corporate services operational and staffing priority.
Parks, Recreation & Community Relations
• The Parks, Recreation & Community Relations Department proposed two additional bargaining
positions for 2021 to address the growing services demands it is facing because of the expansion
of our parks and trails network as well as the need for increase supervision oversight for our
employees during weekends and after hours. While the case for these new positions still needs
to be strengthened with further analysis, there are some compelling arguments for their
consideration. The growth in the trail networks and their need for maintenance, the continued
expansion of Mill Creek, and weekend and after-hours programs need for supervision is placing
demands on our existing resources.
o An additional $60,000 has been allocated to the Parks, Recreation & Community
Relations Department salary/benefits budgets to fund the position of most urgent
priority. The Departmental leadership needs to complete this assessment by early
2021.
Tax Rate – Comparison
Riverview Town Council has identified maintaining the lowest residential tax rate in the tri-community
as a strategic objective and advantage for the community. The table below highlights the Town’s tax rate
in comparison to Moncton and Dieppe. While the budgets have not been formally approved, it appears
that both Moncton and Dieppe are not adjusting their tax rates in 2021.
Municipality Proposed Tax Rate Year
Riverview 1.5926 2021
Moncton 1.6497 2021
Dieppe 1.6295 2021
As a result of strong assessment growth in the early 2000s, the Town’s tax rate has only seen a minor
percentage increase since 2003; a very impressive result.
In supporting the current projections in the Ten (10) Year Capital Plan, Council endorsed a plan that
projects that the tax rate would increase by around 5 cents over the next ten years. This is a projection,
and a number of factors can influence whether that becomes a reality. In particular, the final tax rate
amount will be reviewed and determined annually by Council during the budget process. Variables such
as the increase in the assessment base, eligibility for government grants, as well as the tax rate in the
other Greater Moncton communities, etc. will influence Council’s final decision on the tax rate.
7Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
Capital Budget
Council has committed to reviewing and updating its Ten (10) Year Capital Plan, which is a critically
important planning document, on an annual basis. Council last reviewed and endorsed the updated Ten
(10) Year Capital Plan in September 2020.
The Capital Budget for 2021 overall is consistent with the updated Ten (10) Year Capital Plan approved
by Council in September. There have been some modifications to the estimated costs for some projects
as staff gathered more relevant and current information. However, most of the projects planned for
2021 are consistent with those Council has seen previously. Below is a summary of any changes that
were made to the planned 2021 capital budget projects that were made by staff over the past few
months. Staff want to ensure those items are noted for Council’s attention. The majority of the changes
are due to updated information received and/or modification to the timing of projects already planned.
Summary of Changes to Ten Year Plan that impacted the 2021 Capital Budget
There were a few changes to the overall ten-year plan that Senior Management had to make during this
year’s budget development process as the projects and anticipated costs would have an impact on 2021.
Furthermore, other projects must be delayed, or further analysis is required before adding these
additional infrastructure projects to the capital budget in 2021. Below is a summary of those projects
impacted and what actions have been or need to be taken related to these projects:
• The $180,000 that was budgeted for deck repairs/replacement for the Chocolate River Station
has been removed from the 2021 capital budget and those funds have been deferred until 2022.
While replacing the deck will not be required because of the sale of the property, the trail along
the riverfront will be remaining and the Town will need funds to either build a deck for that
portion of the trail or to continue the trail at surface level. The preference would be to continue
the gravel trail. This trail will be worked out in coordination with the developer and their
schedule for their construction project.
• The cash flow projections for the Recreation Complex were modified since the ten-year capital
plan was presented to Council a few weeks ago. The total budget has not changed, it is simply
that the timing of cash flow projections reflects the current proposed schedule for the project.
Decisions to proceed will still be contingent on several factors including federal and provincial
funding; fundraising objectives; and other factors identified by Council.
• The proposed funding for the outdoor skate park has been moved from 2021 to 2022. There are
two factors that influence this decision. As Council will remember when the ten (10) year plan
was recently updated, one new development that Council was made aware of was the need for
significant investment in the Skate Park and Small Hall Facility to maintain the building to
continue the programming offered at that location. That assessment indicated the Town would
need to spend over $1.7 million to simply maintain that building as is. Therefore, Council asked
that staff complete a review of the programming future for the activities that operate out of
that facility, which will then determine what is required for long term capital investment. The
Town needs to determine if it is prepared to invest that amount of funds in that facility or look
8Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
for alternative infrastructure solutions to continue the programs that operate in that facility
today. If we decide in two years it is better to build a new indoor skate park in another location,
building the outdoor facility in this location would not have been the right investment. The
second factor influencing this decision is that there is a proposed project (not currently in the
ten (10) year plan) to spend over $4.0 million in parking improvements to the Byron Dobson
Complex that also impacts the location of this additional recreational amenity to this already
cramped space. That proposal requires further analysis and vetting before presenting it to
Council.
• The previous ten (10) year plan projected that the Pinewood/Pine Glen Roundabout would be
completed in 2021. However, because of the Causeway closure, Council decided to delay this
project until 2022 so that the Town does not create another traffic challenge during the same
period. Furthermore, the updated estimates for this project have increased to $1.3 million
compared to earlier estimates of $0.7 million. While the project is still in the ten (10) year plan,
the CAO has requested that the Engineering Department prepare an analysis of the roundabout
solution compared to traffic signals or other traffic solutions from a financial and operational
perspective and bring that report forward to Council for future consideration.
2020 Capital Project Highlights
The notable items included in the 2021 Capital Budget are:
• In 2021, the Town will continue to address local roads and streets as a key priority of Council and
residents.
o The following two streets will have local improvement and watermain renewal projects:
Montgomery Phase 1 (Fairfax to Whitepine)
Toth
Funding for these capital projects appear in both the general capital and utility capital
budgets.
o In the Utility Capital Fund, the following watermain renewal projects will be completed:
Lakeside Drive (Biggs to Townsend)
Pitt Street
o $ 0.9 million will be invested through the Town’s Street Pavement Program on the following
streets:
Asphalt Seal:
• Hebron,
• Cosburn,
• Nowlan
9Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
Resurfacing
• Nowlan
• Belfast
• Sanford
• Irving (Callowhill to Lawson)
• $300,000.00 will be invested in active transportation initiatives, through sidewalk development on
Irving Road (Phase 2) Callowhill to Lawson.
• The Public Works Capital budget includes investments in replacing vehicles and equipment to
continue today’s service standard. 2021 is a notable year for some large pieces of snow removal
equipment including: $310,000 for a Plow Truck; $150,000 for a backhoe, $700,000 for two loaders.
• The most significant investment in the Fire Department’s capital budget in 2021 is $190,000 to
switch the department to a fully trunk mobile radio (TMR) system. Over the last couple of years, we
were able to install TMR radios in most of our vehicles and purchase sufficient radios for exterior
use only. This phase will move us to a full TMR system which will provide sufficient radios for both
exterior and interior use.
• Investment will continue in Mill Creek with an additional budget allotment of $150,000 to continue
this park’s development. Work in 2021 will focus on the development of the primary trails on the
southside of the park.
• $1.8 million is included in the 2021 capital budget for the Riverview Recreation Complex. More
information on the Recreation Complex Project is addressed in this budget overview document.
• Parks, Recreation and Community Relations’ budget includes funds to replace vehicles and
equipment to continue to deliver today’s service standards:
$175,000 for a Zamboni
$100,000 for a new tractor
$65,000 for a truck replacement.
Utility Budget
The following are some notable highlights from the proposed 2021 Utility Budget:
• Water and Sewer bills (annual flat rate) will remain at $904.00. The flat rate water and sewer
bills must be set at a rate that will be sufficient to pay for the operating expenditures including
financing of capital items from operations, debt service costs as well as future capital
replacement costs. This proposed rate continues to be lower than the current rates in each of
Moncton and Dieppe.
• Blue/green algae contamination continues to be a challenging item due to projected future
costs associated with correcting the issue in the Greater Moncton water supply. The City of
Moncton is studying this issue, with the help of external expertise from across the country, with
the goal of arriving at the most cost-effective solution to eliminate the risk of water
10Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
contamination. At this time, it appears that a significant capital infrastructure investment may
be part of the resolution of this issue. Of course, this will translate to increased future costs to
ensure a safe and reliable water supply as the Town of Riverview is required to pay for its
proportionate share of costs of any such infrastructure.
• For 2021 the City of Moncton, under the cost sharing agreement, has calculated a decrease in
the water purchase cost to Riverview and Dieppe from $0.584 per cubic meter to $0.538 per
cubic meter. This reduction is due to the fact that debt service costs have dropped off due to the
maturity of a 2005 debenture related to the Turtle Creek project and the termination of the
capital component of the third party (Veolia) water treatment agreement.
• The overall water purchases budget from the City of Moncton remains at $1,460,000 as the
reduction in the per-unit cost noted above will be offset by increased overall volume as the
Town continues to grow.
• In 2021, the most significant additional operating budget expenditure is in connection with a
Water Master Plan Update with a budget of $100,000. This additional operating expenditure
precludes the ability for the Town to reduce the flat rate for the water cost component of the
annual charges to the residents in concert with the lower per unit cost from Moncton.
• The Sewer Treatment costs passed along from Trans Aqua remain at the same flat rate of
$210.00 per residential household for 2021. Trans Aqua is currently preparing an Asset
Management Plan coinciding with the completion of the current major infrastructure upgrades.
This exercise will provide a clearer picture of the financial needs and level of sewer treatment
rates moving forward.
• The Utility Capital Budget is, in part, driven by the selection of which streets are determined to
be candidates for Local Improvements. During 2021 streets (Montgomery and Toth) will require
water and/or sewer pipe replacements as part of the program to address aging cast iron pipes
that have reached the end of their useful lives.
• The total 2021 Utility Capital program is $2.7 million (2020 $5.1 million - high due to Bridgedale
Boulevard) and will be financed through Capital from Operating ($1.3m), the Gas Tax Fund
($1.2m) and from Capital Reserves ($0.2m).
• Debt Service costs have decreased by $160,000 compared with the prior year as outstanding
debentures reach maturity and are paid off. This is very positive as this means that the funds
previously used to service debt can now be applied to fund operations and capital projects and
help to maintain lower rates for residents.
11Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
General Government Departments Budgets and Operational
Overviews 2021
CAO
Strategic Planned Activities by the Department for 2021
Objective
Planning for • While the Ten (10) Year Plan has been reviewed and updated every year,
the Future during the last few years Council’s main priority for that plan was to ensure
that the Recreation Complex Project fit within their financial parameters. At
the end of 2020, there were a number of items identified that would
require significant capital dollars that need to be evaluated and determined
if they are to be added to that plan. And if so, how can those projects be
added and what needs to be removed to make the entire plan affordable.
Therefore, a more detailed review and prioritization exercise must occur in
2021 on the Town’s longer-term plan including the operational plans for the
programs offered those facilities that required significant capital investment
that are not currently included in the 10 year plan.
Fiscal • Due to the delay in the election, Council made the decision to defer the
Responsibility updating of the Town’s Strategic Plan until after the election in May 2021.
and Service The Town continued to use the framework of the 2016 to 2020 strategic
Excellence plan to guide capital and operational planning for 2021. The strategic plan is
a solid foundation for the Town, but it requires a refresh which will require
the CAO to facilitate a planning exercise soon after the May 2021 election.
• A review of the Town’s communication operations started in 2020 and the
objective is to finalize that review in 2021 and support the team in
implementing any organizational changes and/or process improvements.
• Union negotiations will be front and center in 2021. Both the IAFF and CUPE
contracts are up for renegotiation in 2021 and that will impact the CAOs
and HR’s operational plans for 2021.
• Organizational development and succession planning will be a priority in
2021. Increased efforts need to be put in place to grow and develop the
Town’s up and coming middle management as well as to start planning to
adjust the organization’s leadership with the anticipated retirements and
staff turnover to occur over the next few years.
12Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
Human Resources
Notable Budget Adjustments in 2021 (Increases or decreases) – ($10,000 minimum and/or 5% budget
change)
Description – including rationale/explanation Budget Amount Dollar/% Change
• Health and Safety – request of increase in budget line $13,500 Increase $5,000
item due to additional cost for COVID-19 related supplies.
(Example-sanitization cleaning supplies, gloves, masks
etc.)
• Recruitment- decrease in budget due to less promotional $19,089 Decreased $2,200
and attendance of job fairs. Will be conducting virtual
recruitment practices in place of attending events.
• Staffing – New request due to COVID-19, additional staff $22,000 Increase $22,000
are required for sanitization of buildings. Casual contract
for employment will be shared with Town Hall and the
Operations Centre for this position.
Notable Departmental Activities Aligned to the Town of Riverview’s Strategic Plan - High level
initiatives
Operational Objective Planned Activities by the Department for 2021
Provide High Quality customer • As part of our organizational effectiveness, we will be looking at an
service to residents and employee forecasting project in which employees' retirement,
businesses training and development and retention rate is reviewed. This
project will help continue the strategic plan for recruitment,
retirement planning and organizational strategy for the future of
the TOR employees.
Foster a positive and engaging • Wellness Initiatives, increased partnership working within our
work environment for community, giving back to our community; Blood Donor Clinics,
employees Food Drives, Toy Drives etc., in particular those organizations that
have been hit hard due to pandemic. In addition, continued
development of Managers and Directors on fostering employees’
relationships by providing training. Also, we will continue our
working relationship with Canadian Mental Health and their “Not
Myself Campaign”.
Promotes a safe work culture • Increase health and safety practices and policies. During this past
year, we have had to be reactive to changes that we have been
faced with due to COVID. We will be working on plans to increase
13Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
Operational Objective Planned Activities by the Department for 2021
our policies, to be more proactive ensuring a safe work culture for
all.
List all the Department’s Operational Services (What services does your department provide residents
and/or other departments)
1. Organizational Effectiveness:
- Human Resources policy development, employee education and policy review
- Criminal Records and Vulnerable Sectors checks
- Driver abstract verification
- HR budget development and adherence
- Employee documentation management
2. Recruitment and Retention:
- Job description development and review
- Job posting development and increase in job fairs
- Recruitment involving but not limited to interview grid development, candidate
interviewing, reference verification, etc. for the following:
• Bargaining positions
• Non-bargaining positions
• Summer student positions
- Staff forecasting
- Organizational charts
3. Workplace Health and Safety:
- Development and implementation of Town’s Health and Safety Program
- Employee on-boarding orientation
- Development and implementation of workplace health and safety training and
awareness sessions
- Workplace Mental Health and Wellness
4. Compensation and Benefits:
- Non-bargaining salary review
- Development and implementation of non-bargaining employee performance
management system
- Pension and Benefits committee member
- Employee retirement preparation
5. Employee Relations:
- Member of union contract negotiating team
- Moderator of employee round table discussions
- Labour management committee member for both CUPE Local 2162 and
IAFF Local 2549
- Wellness Committee
- Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee
- Working Relationship Committee at Riverview Fire
14Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
- Employee recognition initiatives (employee flu shot clinics, employee service awards,
Take Our Kids to Work Day, National Day of Mourning, employee holiday events, etc.)
Finance
Notable Budget Adjustments in 2021 (Increases or decreases) – ($10,000 minimum and/or 5% budget
change (for Finance Department and other Cost Centers managed by Director of Finance)
Description – including rationale/explanation 2021 Dollar/% Change
Budget
Amount
Revenue – FCRS Leases Due to sale of property $11,633 Decrease by $98,367 or 89.4%
closing on March 31, 2021
Revenue – FCRS Sale of Property $800,000 One-time transaction
Proceeds on sale. To be transferred to the General
Capital Reserve Fund for financing of future capital
projects in 2022 and 2023
Revenue – Interest on Cash in Bank $12,000 Decrease by $28,000 or 70%
Dramatically lower interest rates due to the
economic fall-out from Covid-19.
Revenue – Proceeds on Sale of Vehicles and Heavy $130,000 Increase of $50,000 or 63% over
Equipment prior year budget but a decrease
Several larger pieces of equipment to be replaced from prior year actual. This is
resulting in trade-in proceeds in 2021. based upon timing of fleet
replacements. (See General
Capital Plan for details of fleet
replacements)
Revenue – Surplus from 2nd Prior Year $18,303 Decrease of $53,192 or 74%
This amount must be included in the budget per
legislation. The actual surplus in 2019 was lower
than the actual surplus in 2018.
15Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
Description – including rationale/explanation 2021 Dollar/% Change
Budget
Amount
Expenses – Program Review(s) $70,000 Increase of $40,000 or 133%
An additional amount has been included in 2021 to
address staffing demands. While there are various
different departmental needs including
Communications, IT, Facilities Management and
others, it has been included in this general section
as it is still to be determined based upon reviews
and further analysis if, when and where is the
priority for this limited available funding.
Expenses – Codiac Transpo $591,371 Decrease of $63,977 or 9.8%
Due to Covid-19, there is a reduced service schedule
in place. This has been offset to a large extent by
the additional bussing need(s) projected as the
result of the causeway closure during 2021.
Capital Financing Sources - The need for Capital $9.2million Increase of $900,000
Financing sources increases along with the
increasing scope of the General Capital Plan over
the next 10 years. The debt service costs are
increasing with an offsetting decrease in the Capital
Financed Through Operations, i.e., Pay as you go).
The most significant difference in Capital Financing
Sources in 2021 is the increase from $1.6m to $2.3m
in the Transfer to Capital Reserve account which is
directly attributable to adding the proceeds from
the sale of the FCRS (see note above) to the amount
to be placed in Capital Reserve Funds.
Transfer to Operating Reserve Fund - Over the past $Nil Decrease of $185,000
three years the Town has transferred funds into the
Operating Reserve Fund in order to mitigate the
impact of the projected future increase in the
Codiac RCMP budget in connection with the new
RCMP Building. These reserve funds are projected to
be used to offset these additional costs
commencing in 2023.
16Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
Notable Departmental Activities Aligned to the Town of Riverview’s Strategic Plan - High level
initiatives
Strategic Objective Planned Activities by the Department for 2021
Service Excellence The Finance Department will continue to explore ways to facilitate business
transactions with the ratepayers. This may include performing an analysis of
offering self-management for on-line customer accounts.
The Finance Department is researching options to facilitate approval processing
for accounts payable that will eliminate the need for significant amounts of paper
shuffle between Town building locations. This is particularly of benefit as the
result of Covid-19 and limiting exposure for employees.
Fiscal Accountability, transparency, and good stewardship are cornerstones for the
Responsibility Finance Department. We will continue to work in collaboration with all Town
departments and staff to achieve their goals by providing timely and accurate
financial information with which to make the best possible decisions.
Ongoing monitoring of the operating and capital budgets throughout the year may
lead to operational adjustments that will ensure the Town meets its budget
parameters.
Asset Management The Finance Department, along with Engineering and Facilities Management, will
Planning continue collaborating with the goal of ensuring Town assets can continue to
provide the appropriate level of service at the optimal cost.
List all the Department’s Operational Services (What services does your department provide residents
and/or other departments)
Director of Finance/Treasurer Functions
• Budget - coordination of annual preparation process – operating/capital
• Capital Budget – monitor actual progress payments and compare with budget
• Cash Flow – longer term planning as well as daily monitoring of bank activity
• Debt management – long term and short term
• Banking Arrangements – periodic renewal of agreement with bank
• Policy development and monitoring for financial related activities
• Insurance - ensure adequate general liability protection for Town assets/activities
• Health Plan - co-coordinate employee benefits plan annual renewal process
• Pension Plan – liaise with consultant, investment manager, custodian, and committee
• Research accounting treatment for certain issues to ensure compliance with PSAB
• Special projects – e.g., ERP module enhancement implementation, Asset Management Planning
• Grants from Province/Federal – monitoring and follow up of funding applications and final
reporting including ongoing Gas Tax Funding (GTF)
• Legislative – Local Government Act – compliance with financial covenants and reporting
requirements
• Accounts Receivable - oversight and hands-on involvement in collection activities
17Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
• Collective Bargaining – provision of relevant information
Accounting Staff Functions
Process payments received in person, over the telephone and by mail (including water bills, animal
licenses, parking tickets, parks department activities, water certificate fees, water turn-on charges,
tree charges, installation of town services, local improvements, etc.).
• Process online payments received through banks and Service NB.
• Act as receptionist and switchboard operator for main town phone line.
• Maintain animal licence records and provide reports to the animal control officer.
• Maintain parking ticket records and provide reports to the by-law enforcement officer.
• Prepare encumbrance certificates for lawyers in conjunction with property transfers.
• Identification and collection of past-due accounts and ensure payment arrangements are kept.
• Prepare quarterly water and sewer bills for flat rate and metered customers.
• Invoice and maintain records of local road improvements receivables.
• Maintain and update property ownership records for property transfers, name changes and new
properties.
• E-billing and pre-authorized payments – promotion and setting up customers on these options.
• Prepare daily bank deposit and take to the bank.
• Perform the accounts payable function including the maintenance of vendor information, data
entry and payment of invoices by cheque and EFT.
• Perform the payroll function including maintenance of employee records, payment of
employees, preparing T4’s and ROE’s, and preparing payroll remittances.
• Maintain a petty cash fund for Town Hall.
• Reconcile the bank statements and process bank transfers.
• Issue purchase orders for Town Hall purchases.
• Maintain records of tree charges related to development of subdivisions, etc.
• Review and reconciliation of general ledger accounts.
• Maintenance of vehicle registration records.
• Preparation of HST return.
• Completion and filing of Statistics Canada Reports.
• Maintenance of the computerized financial accounting system.
• Maintenance of capital asset records.
• Preparation of monthly financial statements and distribution to council and department heads.
• Preparation of year-end audit working papers and assisting external auditors with annual audit.
18Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
Corporate Services - Town Clerk; By-Law Enforcement; Records Management,
Communications; Facilities Management; etc.
Notable Budget Adjustments in 2020 (Increases or decreases) – ($10,000 minimum and/or 5% budget
change)
Description – including rationale/explanation Budget Amount Dollar/% Change
Purchase of online meeting software to enable Council and $4,800 +4700% (new)
residents to join the meeting from their homes was necessary
due to COVID-19 restrictions.
New ticketing software was purchased for a lower annual $2,918 -41.6%
cost than the previous provider.
New Animal Control contract with SPCA will lower costs in $45,307 -9.4%
2021.
Notable Departmental Activities Aligned to the Town of Riverview’s Strategic Plan - High level
initiatives
Strategic Objective Planned Activities by the Department for 2021
Promote opportunities to • Use new ticketing software to make it easier to issue and process
maintain community safety parking citations.
• Increased presence of Animal Control officers in town and on trails.
Complete an asset • Conduct Building Condition Assessments at the Operation Centre
management plan regarding and Parks & Rec admin building. The data collected from both
infrastructure needs assessments will be added to the Facilities portfolio in the Town’s
Asset Management Plan
Take a well-planned and • Update the ten (10) year Facilities Capital Plan in conjunction with
fiscally responsible approach the projects completed in 2021.
to building and maintaining • Keep track of all expenses from building and repair accounts for
public infrastructure each of the facilities throughout the year.
Riverview Brand Development • Create a photo portfolio of SUNFEST to expand the Town’s image
library.
• Continue to explore the use of digital advertising for town
campaigns and events.
• Continue work on the PetitcodiACTION campaign centred on the
Causeway closure.
• Continue to grow presence and following on the Town’s social
media channels.
Retain and grow our strong • In collaboration with the Light Up Riverview Committee, continue
local business community to grow this program and work towards completing the next phase
of the seasonal lights.
• Preparations for 2021 Municipal Election, Swearing-In Ceremony
and Council Orientation.
19Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
Strategic Objective Planned Activities by the Department for 2021
Provide high quality customer • Through the PetitcodiACTION campaign, roll out programs and
service to residents and initiatives to help the community through a significant commuter
businesses shift.
• Continue to review and revise by-laws and policies.
Foster a positive and engaging • Continue with monthly staff/safety meetings.
work environment for • Encourage professional development training to increase staff
employees knowledge and efficiency.
List all the Department’s Operational Services (What services does your department provide residents
and/or other departments)
Communications
The Communications Coordinator provides corporate communication support to all other departments
and Council in the form of media relations, graphic design, speech writing, social media, public
engagement activities, etc.
Facilities
The Facilities Coordinator provides facility maintenance support to various Town-owned properties
through the organization of service contracts, arranging repair work and planning for future maintenance.
By-law Enforcement
The By-law Enforcement Officer investigates and responds to reports regarding by-law violations in the
town.
Animal Control
The contract with the Greater Moncton SPCA allows them to enforce the Town’s Animal Control
by-laws and work with the Clerk and By-law Enforcement Officer to increase the number of pets licensed
in the community.
Administrative and Clerical Support to Mayor and Council
The Clerk’s office provides clerical support to Council through the recording and storing of all Council
minutes, maintaining schedules, ensuring Council procedures follow various provincial acts and providing
research and recommendations for various items of interest to Council.
Records Management
Manages electronic and non-electronic records to ensure they serve current operational purposes and
potential legal and historical purposes in accordance with provincial government mandates.
20Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
RTIPPA Coordinator
In accordance with privacy regulations and mandated requirements to provide access to information, the
Clerk’s office handles all inquiries from the public for information, attempts to post as much information
on our website as possible and advises staff on privacy rules and best practices.
Legal Agreements and Contracts
The Clerk’s office reviews, signs, and retains all legal agreements and contracts the town has for various
services, maintenances, sub-divisions, etc.
Policy Creation
In consultation with all other departments, the clerk’s office maintains, researches, and assists with the
creation of the policies and procedures that guide staff and Council.
Bylaw Review and Update
The Town Clerk and By-law Enforcement Officer, in consultation with applicable departments, oversee
and make recommendations regarding new and/or amended by-laws.
Community Investment Grants
The Clerk’s office oversees the review of all applications received for the various levels of funding
awarded by the Town.
Crosswalk Guard Program
The Clerk’s office, in consultation with Human Resources, oversees the contracting, organization and
training of the crosswalk guards within the community.
Economic Development
Notable Budget Adjustments in 2021 (Increases or decreases) – ($10,000 minimum and/or 5% budget
change)
Description – including rationale/explanation Budget Amount Dollar/% Change
Strategic Partnerships-Working with partners on various $15,000 100%
collaborative initiatives including renewed regional economic
development strategy
21Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
Notable Departmental Activities Aligned to the Town of Riverview’s Strategic Plan - High level
initiatives
Strategic Objective Planned Activities by the Department for 2021
Promote Riverview as an • Will launch Envision Riverview lure video with a comprehensive
inclusive community with a good marketing strategy.
quality of life for residents. • Align Town’s unique selling proposition with ONB’s efforts and
the regional branding campaign from 3+.
Retain and grow our strong local • Strategically align R Card rewards with various seasonal and
business community. event activity.
• Work with merchants to strategically align their offers to
complement business growth
Increase the number of • Work with Opportunities New Brunswick and regional partners
employers and entrepreneurs in to leverage NB’s value proposition to work remotely and from
Riverview by targeting location anywhere.
neutral companies. • Begin to highlight development opportunities within the newly
opened Bridgedale Blvd area.
Increase tourism opportunities in • Plan for a unique Covid-19 affected tourism season.
Riverview through growth of • Explore VIC options outside of FCRS.
Fundy trail network.
Take a well-planned and fiscally • Work with planning to review and update the Town’s Municipal
responsible approach to building Plan.
and maintaining public • Continue to develop phase 2 of Climate Change Adaptation Plan.
infrastructure.
List all the Department’s Operational Services (What services does your department provide residents
and/or other departments)
• Develop, implement, and monitor economic development initiatives
• Foster economic development opportunities
• Work collaboratively with property developers, landowners, business owners, the Town’s
senior management team and other associated groups (3+, Chamber of Commerce etc.)
• Negotiation of agreements
• Dissemination of information (statistical, demographics, etc.)
• Development of economic development marketing materials, media relations
• Responsible for tourism and related VIC management
• Budget responsibilities
• Leads the planning program for the Town – both strategically and the legislated municipal
plan and associated requirements
• Oversees cross-departmental sustainability initiatives
• Identifies and applies to strategic funding opportunities
• Oversee Fundy Chocolate River Station facility
• Spearhead community economic development opportunities
22Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
Fire and Rescue Department Budget and Operational Overview
2021
Notable Budget Adjustments in 2020 (Increases or decreases) – ($10,000 minimum and/or 5% budget
change)
Description – including rationale/explanation Budget Amount Dollar/% Change
a. Sick leave: The last two years the average will be $60,000 + $20,000
approximate $65,000/year. This increase will cover
the projected Sick Leave budget for 2021.
a. MFR OT: With the hiring of the additional $20,000 -$10,000
Firefighter/Paramedic all shift will be at a minimum 4
staff on duty. This will reduce MFR OT requirements.
a. Medical Examinations: This increase is required to $5,000 + 300%/$3,500
pay for medical examinations for both our Career and
Volunteer Firefighters as per our new cancer
surveillance program.
a. Regional Fire Dispatching: This is a new item. We $93,000 +$93,000
were told in late 2020 that they would be removing
the cost of Fire Dispatching from the Codiac Police
budget and the Fire Department would have to cover
the expense in their budget. The dispatching cost will
be $82,425.
b. Fire Department Dispatch Software (This is included
in the Regional Fire Dispatching): The fire department
is currently using a Fire Department software
program called “Crisys”. It sends the responding fire
vehicles maps for fire locations, building information,
hazardous products info, etc... This system is
managed by the City of Moncton. All three
communities use this system. Over the last few years
all of us have had problems with it. Moncton plan on
replacing it in 2021. Our cost for the use of the new
system will be approximately $10,000/yr.
a. Volunteer Fire Fighters-Clothing and Safety Budget: $26,000 +$11,500
By the end of 2021, we will have filled all 28
Volunteer firefighters’ positions. The added cost is to
ensure we have enough firefighting gear for the new
volunteers.
a. Career Fire Fighters – Clothing and Safety Budget: $23000 -$9,000
Inspections have been completed on all turn-out
gear. We will not need to replace too many “Career”
sets this year. The savings from this GL will help
23Town of Riverview 2021 Budget Process
Budget and Service Overview
November 2020
offset the additional expenses on the Vol FF Clothing
and Safety GL.
a. Small Equipment Purchase: Most of the Fire $37,000 +$10,800
Department hose is very outdated. Over 10 sets have
been taken out of service in 2020 due to exterior wall
damage or leakage. The additional funding will help
the fire department start a three program to replace
the old hose and many of its outdated nozzles to
meet industry standards.
Strategic Objective Planned Activities by the Department for 2021
SAFE AND WELCOMING 1. Flood Protection Brochure: The Town’s Director of Emergency Planning
COMMUNITY: will be working on a “Flooded Home” prevention brochure for 2021. The
requirement for such a brochure was identified at a recent “Climate
Change Adaptation” meeting. This brochure will be available on the
Town’s website for those residents living close to the Petitcodiac River.
PLANNING FOR THE 1. Employee Development Program
FUTURE
a. Personal Training Program
The Deputy Chief of Training has been working with the Career
Firefighter/Paramedics to build departmental and personal
training programs. From the information gathered, the Deputy
Chief will work with the members to provide the training
required for individual growth and potential career
advancement as identified in the personal training plans.
b. Officer Development Program
RFR has started the training for the Officer Development
Program. The training is approximately 70% completed. The
training will continue in 2021. This training will provide the tools
needed for new and future officers to deal with day-to-day
issues as well as critical incident management.
PLANNING FOR THE 1. Live Fire Training Area
FUTURE
a. RFR will be starting the first phase of the “Live Fire” training
Riverview Fire and
Rescue Strategic Plan in area this year. This will be a multiphase project over 5 years or
support of the TOR so. This training area will provide our fire fighters with realistic
Strategic Plan training areas permitting new and current fire fighters to train
with live fire in a controlled and safe manner.
b. RFR will install a well at this location as well. This will provide
RFR with water for training as well as a water supply for forestry
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