Snowplows equipped with GPS devices are among some of the cost-saving measures found in the 2010 transportation budget estimate.
The budget estimate, released today, has no major service cuts and is full of “strategic investments for long-term savings,” says committee chair Maria McRae.
The budget estimate will be compiled with other committees’ budgets (such as transit and corporate services). It will eventually be discussed by council to create the city’s overall 2010 budget.
The installation of GPS units on all winter maintenance vehicles will save $1 million by allowing the city to plow and salt roads more efficiently.
The committee also explained a new management strategy for the city’s vehicle fleet. To save on fuel costs, they will better match the size of vehicles with the tasks required of them. Simple changes such as this, committee says, will save $300,000 in 2010 and increase to $3.9 million in savings by 2013.
A final important aspect of the budget was a group of promises for cyclists, including an east-west downtown bike route and at least $5 million of cycling infrastructure funding.
The 2010 transportation budget is $5.6 million larger than last year. If approved by council, it will cause a 0.56 per cent tax increase for residents. This is mainly caused by a $2.89 million increase in contract settlement compensation.
The contract agreements could have been less expensive. The city asked for contract increases of 1.5 per cent from last year, says Stittsville-Kanata West Coun. Shad Qadri. Most contracts, however, were settled around 2.5 per cent.
Last year’s tax hike was 4.9 per cent. With the transportation budget’s 0.56 per cent increase, municipal taxes are 3.7 per cent higher than last year thus far. Two more committees have yet to submit their budgets – planning and environment, and audit, budget and finance. By Nov. 17, all committee budget estimates will be published and the overall budget discussions will begin.