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WAl “(LOO cannula); ' Wedneoday, lune 24. 2009 0 II inanCIa tatements , .‘-,.. f‘ X, 0A .’ ' " ‘ if g ~ h . j . - . Demonstrating fiscal responsibility and stability are 0 Maintaining the 2008 salaries for council â€" with F I SC AL principles at the core of the city/s 2009 operating and no cost of living increase â€" for 2009. ‘ capital budgets. «Our budgets address four key areas â€" reserve P LAN N I N G ‘ ”The current economic climate and the financial levels, reducing debt levels, assessment growth, and difficulties faced by this community were taken renewing infrastructure in both the short and long . into account while reviewing the 2009 budgets,” terms â€" that help us to create a solid foundation says Coun. Ian McLean, the chair of the finance for the year,” McLean says. "As well, we strive to be Focus on. fi.Sgal and strategic planning committee.”We certainly are more effective and efficient in delivering the services responSIblllty not immune to the impacts of this global economic and programs that our community deserves . . downturn, and, as a result, Waterloo continues to and expects.” . and Stablll‘ y maintain an environment of fiscal prudence and responsibility.” To reduce the city’s expenditures, council The budget adjustments also included a net incorporated a number of additional measures reduction Of the equivalent Of 334 M43“? into its budgets: employees, more effective use of advertismg, _ _ , implementing the food services recommendations ' A revlsmn to the purchasmg by-law that would and bringing water and waste-water billing in house. require councd to approve any consultant fees . . _ of more than $20,030 . At the end of the day, our focus Will continue to be _ . , on financial stability,”McLean says. - A moratorium on any new hires outsnde - of the approved budget until further In McLOln, Chllr ' council direction. Finance and Strangle Planning Committee WAI ER BILLING ' I Water and sewer ,, . f -- .- xi __ ,,~ __ a a o , 7 7 _ _. â€" n,” L: - J b1111ng comes m-house "" ""'" In October 2009, changes are coming to how in-house was the best course of action. technological resources are being leveraged to Waterloolresideng pay their watelr any?J waste- ”This billing shift allows the City to manage the implement the in-house solution with minimum water uh ity bill. urrently, Vzaterlpo (Ln water system from beginning to end _ providing investment. Hydroihandles that ”of”? "t it a; ll] residents with centralized customer service,” ”To make it even more seamless, l encourage transition over to the Qty ater t 15 a ' Morrison says.'Plus, a study found that there people to consider paying their water and sewer ”You won't see any difference in how the service were significant reductions in real outâ€"ofâ€"pocket bill through a Preauthorized Payment Plan â€" is provided â€" but you will need to change who expenses by bringing inâ€"house water and sewer it's easy to Sign up, and will save you from the you pay your bills to,"says John Morrison, the billing, collection and meter reading.” hassles of writing cheques and standing in line City's director of revenue. There are other benefits as well, including the to pay down the road, Momson added. ' For the past couple of years, the City’s Revenue fact this new process will create efficiencies For more information on the plan, contact Services department has been assessing the and synergy that will help moderate and the City’s Revenue Services department effectiveness and affordability of the former better manage the City’s costs over the coming at 519-747â€"8718 or go to arrangement, and decided bringing the billing years. And the City’s existing software and www.wat_erloo.ca/revenue.