MINUTES - Freestanding Committee of the Whole (Corporate Administration & Finance Committee - Budget)

Monday, October 20, 2025 at 8:30 A.m. - 11:30 A.m.

Council Chambers

8645 Stave Lake Street, Mission, BC

Council Present:

• Mayor Paul Horn
• Councillor Mark Davies
• Councillor Angel Elias
• Councillor Jag Gill
• Councillor Carol Hamilton
• Councillor Ken Herar
• Councillor Danny Plecas
• Mark Haney, Manager of Arts & Culture
• Ellen Croy, Manager of Transportation
• Jenny Tough
• Andrew Crowe
• Kristi Klassen

Council Absent:

• Rasika Acharya, Manager of Long Range Planning
• Michelle Buonassisi, Manager of Bylaws & Licensing

Staff Present:

• Mike Younie, Chief Administrative Officer
• Barclay Pitkethly, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
• Heather Gherman, Director of Human Resources
• Mark Goddard, Fire Chief
• Jason Horton, Manager of Parks & Facilities
• Taryn Hubbard, Manager of Communications and Public Engagement
• Jay Jackman, Manager of Development Engineering, Projects and Design
• Scott Ross, Manager of Accounting Services
• Dan Sommer, Director of Development Services
• Doug Stewart, Director of Finance
• Andrea Bazinet
• Jason Payne, Manager of Community Wellness

---

1.

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Horn called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.

2.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

• COW25-003
  Moved by Councillor Herar

  RESOLVED:

  That the agenda for the Freestanding Committee of the Whole meeting of October 20, 2025 be adopted.

  CARRIED

3.

CORPORATE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

a.

2025 Citizen Satisfaction Survey Feedback Report

A report from the Manager of Communications & Public Engagement dated October 20, 2025, regarding the 2025 Citizen Satisfaction Survey Results was provided for the Committee’s information.

The presentation highlighted:

• that the survey provides a snapshot of the overall community sentiment;
• that this year marks ten years of using the citizen satisfaction survey;
• how and when the survey was delivered; and
• what was heard.

Discussion ensued with an interest in adjusting the survey delivery timeline. It was noted that the survey should include definitions for infrastructure and amenity services. The Committee further noted that additional surveys throughout the year may provide a better response and build confidence with decision making.

Staff were directed to report back on the following:

• a methodology to survey more than the 2000 mailouts; and
• the contractor’s input on increasing the survey response.

b.

2026 Budget Cost of Detailed Operations and Activities

A report from the Manager of Financial Reporting & Analysis dated October 20, 2025, regarding the 2026 Budget Cost of Detailed Operations and Activities was provided for the Committee’s information.

The presentation highlighted general operating activities and their funding source.

Discussion ensued and staff answered questions on the various expenses and revenue services. It was noted to review the fee for services where the taxpayer may be subsidizing a service. 

 

Staff were directed to include the following information in the October 29, 2025 public consultation:  

 

• a visual of what is included in your average tax dollar;
• a consolidated chart showing department service costs;
• a comparison of fee for services with other municipalities; and
• an overview of the business licence revenue service.

c.

2026 Overall Budget Update and Discretionary Expenditures

A report from the Manager of Financial Reporting & Analysis dated October 20, 2025, regarding the 2026 Overall Budget Updates and Discretionary Expenditures was provided for the Committee’s information.

The presentation highlighted:

• the budget impacts for non-discretionary and discretionary activities that relate to growth and expansion;
• fifteen discretionary items for the Committee’s consideration; and
• the cost breakdown of the proposed 11.74% tax increase.

Discussion ensued and staff answered questions on the various discretionary items with a proposed 0.93% increase.

Staff were directed to report back on the following:

• outreach or funding options to assist the Youth Voice Committee to achieve quorum;
• the impact to Fire Hall #4 operations should the expansion timeline change; and
• the value and security implications for the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).

Staff were directed to include the following information in the October 29, 2025 public consultation: 

• expand on the asset renewal program;
• a coordinated approach for a safety team that looks at policing, bylaws and the Engaged Community Guide (ECG); and
• the service value to the taxpayer should a spending request not be approved.

d.

Spending Packages Submitted for 2026 Budget Discussions

A report from the Manager of Financial Reporting & Analysis dated October 20, 2025, regarding Spending Packages Submitted for 2026 Budget Discussions was provided for the Committee’s information.

The presentation highlighted an overview of spending packages identified as Tier One (Recommended), Tier Two (Not Recommended) and Utilities that are categorized by either growth or expansion.

Discussion ensued and staff answered questions regarding the descriptions, the funding sources and the tax impacts.

Staff were directed to include the following information in the October 29, 2025 public consultation: 

• a detailed description of the value to the taxpayer for each spending package;
• a coordinated approach for a safety team spending package that incorporates policing, bylaws and social development that addresses homelessness within the City;
• the annual costs for the Fire Hall #4 four-year spending package request that is linked to the Fire Protection Master Plan;
• a review if an increased user fee could fund extending the Leisure Centre hours and the Communications Assistant spending package request; and
• a review if the Leisure Centre pass user fee should increase when the pass is used more often or if used outside a regular schedule.

• Recommendation(s)

e.

Capital Plan

A report from the Director of Finance dated October 20, 2025, regarding the City’s capital plan was provided for the Committee’s information.

The presentation highlighted the City’s consolidated five-year capital plans and the sources of revenue.

Discussion ensued and staff answered questions on the various capital plan projects.

Staff were directed to report back on the following:

• an update on the Kinsmen West Park enhancement project; and
• a phased in approach to update the Brackley Avenue Park for 2026;

• Recommendation(s)

4.

ADJOURNMENT

• COW25-004
  Moved by Councillor Herar

  RESOLVED:

  That the meeting be adjourned.

  CARRIED

  The meeting adjourned at 10:28 a.m.