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POLICY
General Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy
CATEGORY
Finance
AUTHORITY
Council
RELATED POLICIES
Investment Policy, Debt Policy, Capital Renewal Reserve
Fund Policy, DC Exemption Policy
APPROVED BY
Council
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 25, 2017
REVISION DATE
Within each term of Council
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PURPOSE
Policy Statement
It is the policy of the City of Guelph to:
x
Establish reserves and reserve funds for planned future capital expenditures,
unexpected events or extraordinary expenditures which would otherwise
cause fluctuations in the operating or capital budgets;
x
Manage reserves and reserve funds in a responsible manner; and
x
Utilize reserves and reserve funds solely for their intended purpose.
Policy details
A financial reserve is a provision for an amount that is designated for a future
purpose that extends beyond the current fiscal year. Reserves are established for a
variety of purposes:
x
to ensure the ongoing financial stability of the organization;
x
to protect against known risks and unforeseen events;
x
to provide for life cycle replacement of capital assets;
x
to meet specific liabilities;
x
to smooth expenditures which would otherwise cause fluctuations in
operating or capital budgets;
x
to provide for planned future expenditures and
x
to provide a source of internal financing
The City of Guelph has a variety of reserves and reserve funds, both obligatory and
discretionary, as outlined in Appendix A: Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy
Schedule.
ATT 1
Page 1 of 6
CITY OF GUELPH CORPORATE POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Definitions
Reserve means an allocation from net revenue at the discretion of council, after
the provision for all known expenditures, as part of an overall strategy for funding
programs or projects as set out in annual budget or budget forecast and is
authorized under the provisions set out in the Municipal Act. Reserves have no
reference to a specific asset, do not earn interest, do not require segregation and
may be established for a pre-determined purpose.
Reserve fund means a fund with assets that are segregated and restricted to meet
the purpose of the reserve fund. It is based on a statutory requirement or defined
liability payable in the future and is usually prescriptive as to the basis for collection
and use of monies in the fund. All interest earnings derived from reserve fund
assets must remain and accumulate in that reserve fund. There are two types of
reserve funds: obligatory and discretionary.
Obligatory reserve funds are created when a provincial statute requires that
revenue received for specific purposes is segregated from the general revenues of
the municipality. Obligatory reserve funds are to be used solely for the purpose
prescribed for them by statute.
Discretionary reserve funds are created under the Municipal Act when Council
wishes to earmark revenue to finance a future expenditure for which it has the
authority to spend money, and to set aside a certain portion of any year's revenues
so that the funds are available as required.
Deferred revenue means revenue that is considered a liability on the City's
financial statements until, over time, it becomes relevant to current operations,
such as a prepayment received from something that has not yet been provided.
Deferred revenue is set aside in an obligatory reserve fund for a specific purpose by
legislation, regulation, or agreement. Development charges and federal and
provincial gasoline tax are examples of deferred revenue.
SCOPE
The General Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy applies to all departments and local
boards of the Corporation of the City of Guelph.
ADMINISTRATION
Creation & Dissolution
Council approval must be established prior to the formation or dissolution of any
reserve or a reserve fund. New reserves and reserve funds must have a Council
approved policy that outlines the purpose, targets, funding sources and
authorization. All proposed reserve and reserve fund policies must be reviewed by
the Treasurer prior to seeking council approval to ensure the policy is in line with
Page 2 of 6
CITY OF GUELPH CORPORATE POLICY AND PROCEDURE
current financial strategies, policies and procedures. Prior to creating a new
reserve or reserve fund, it is recommended that a review of existing reserve or
reserve funds be completed to determine if the goals and needs identified in the
proposed reserve and reserve fund policy can be accommodated by an existing
reserve or reserve fund.
Adequacy
The adequacy of an individual reserve or reserve fund shall be determined on a
case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the purpose of the reserve and the
magnitude and timing of all future commitments and projected funding sources.
Appendix A: Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy Schedule prescribes the target
balances for each reserve and reserve fund. If a reserve or reserve fund has
exceeded the recommended target, the Treasurer will review the source of funding
and consider transferring funds to areas where there is high need or high priority,
subject to Council approval.
General corporate reserve and reserve fund targets:
x
Total Operating Reserves as a percentage of Own Source Revenue: this
indicator analyzes the health of the operating reserves by focusing
specifically on the contingency reserves capered to own source revenues.
The City's benchmark is 8%-10% based on a review of best practices. This
ratio is calculated for the tax supported funds and the non tax supported
funds.
x
Debt to Reserve Fund ratio: This indicator provides a measure for financial
prudence by comparing total debt to the total reserve balances. The current
target identified in the Debt Policy is 1:1 (total debt outstanding should not
exceed the total reserve and reserve fund balance)
x
Liquid Assets to Total Reserves: This ratio compares the cash and
investment balances to the reserve and reserve fund balances. This ratio
indicates whether a City is managing total cash flow appropriately as reserve
and reserve funds should have corresponding available assets. The target
for this indicator is a minimum of 1:1 (total cash and investments to be at
least equal to the total reserves and reserve funds).
x
Capital Reserve Fund annual transfer targets: This indicator ensures that
corporately, on an annual basis, the City is investing in infrastructure renewal
as a primary corporate objective. The annual budget transfer to capital as
approved through the operating budget shall be allocated as follows:
o
80% to the infrastructure renewal reserve fund
o
10% to the growth reserve fund
o
10% to the city building reserve fund
Variation from this policy must be approved by Council.
Reserve and reserve fund balances can be increased through the following options:
x
Contributions from the operating fund that are approved by Council through
the annual budget process or through other in-year reports
x
Yearend operating surplus allocations as recommended by the Treasurer and
approved by Council
Page 3 of 6
CITY OF GUELPH CORPORATE POLICY AND PROCEDURE
x
Returning surplus funds from capital projects or other operating budgets in
accordance with the Policy
x
Donations/bequests/surcharges/fees/proceeds from sale of assets
x
Interest income earned on reserve fund balances
Reserve Fund Borrowing
Inter-fund borrowing between reserve and reserve funds is permitted, with the
exception of the Obligatory reserve funds. Obligatory funds are not permitted to
fund deficiencies in the reserves and reserve funds.
Short-term inter-fund borrowing is permitted to cover a reserve or reserve fund
shortfall over a period of less than two years where;
x
sufficient funding is available
x
it is deemed appropriate by the Treasurer; and
x
interest is paid annually on the borrowed funds where applicable
Long-term inter-fund borrowing is permitted over a period of greater than two
years where;
x
sufficient funding is available
x
it is deemed appropriate by the Treasurer and,
x
interest is paid annually on the borrowed funds
x
there is a Council approved By-law
The Development Charges Act 1997 permits inter-fund borrowing between DC
reserve funds, provided that all amounts borrowed are repaid with a prescribed rate
of interest.
External Debt supported with Reserve Funds
External debt and debt servicing costs shall be budgeted and paid from the
operating fund. There are two exemptions to this rule:
x
Development Charge Reserve Fund: Under the Development Charges Act,
debt may be included as a capital cost to leverage development charge
revenue while waiting for DC collections to catch up to growth-related
spending. The DC debt related costs will be recovered from the appropriate
DC reserve fund.
x
Cash in Lieu of Parkland Reserve Fund: Historically, debt has been permitted
for the purchase of parkland, but under this policy, new debt will be incurred
and repaid through the operating fund in order to reduce the risk from future
undetermined contributions
Authorization
The Treasurer is responsible for monitoring the status of reserves and reserve funds
in accordance with the Council approved policy.
Utilization of funds from a reserve or reserve fund can be approved through the
following options:
Page 4 of 6
CITY OF GUELPH CORPORATE POLICY AND PROCEDURE
a) approved by Council through the annual budget process
b) approved by Council through a separate report/ Council resolution
c) any other means prescribed by the approved Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy
Council must approve the:
x
establishment of new reserves and reserve funds
x
closing reserves and reserve funds no longer required
x
consolidation of reserves and reserve funds
x
transfer funds to and from reserves and reserve funds as prescribed by
Appendix A: Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy Schedule
The Treasurer will:
x
recommend establishing, closing and consolidating reserves and reserve
funds
x
monitor the adequacy of reserve and reserve fund balances and report
annually
x
recommend and monitor target balances for reserves and reserve funds
x
recommend transfers of funds to and from reserves and reserve funds
x
manage the reserves and reserve funds in accordance with legislative
requirements and the City's existing policies and corporate strategies
x
determine the source of financing for the City's programs and capital works
Investment Income Earned on Reserve Funds
Reserve funds must be invested and done so in a manner that is in accordance with
the City's approved Investment Policy. Investment income earned on the total cash
and investment portfolio shall be credited to each separate fund in proportion to the
amount invested from it. The investment income allocation shall be based on the
average annual balance of the reserve fund calculated at year end at the average
annual interest rate earned on the City's total cash and investment portfolio.
Contribution timing
Contributions from operating budgets to reserves shall be transferred to the reserve
or reserve fund as a one-time transfer at the beginning of the year based on the
approval of the City's budget. Contributions from reserves and reserve funds to
capital or operating accounts shall be transferred at least semi-annually, upon
completion of a project or as directed by Council.
Reporting
The status of the City's reserves and reserve funds will be communicated to
Council, the public and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing through the
following reports:
x
A Reserve and Reserve Fund Statement detailing balances, transactions,
funding status and commitments is required annually. It will identify risks,
emerging issues and changes to relative legislation;
x
Reserve and reserve fund balances, projected contributions and planned
expenditures shall be presented with the annual budget;
Page 5 of 6
CITY OF GUELPH CORPORATE POLICY AND PROCEDURE
x
Each year, in accordance with provincial legislation, the Treasurer will provide
Council with a Development Charge Reserve Fund Statement with balances,
expenditures, collections and transfers;
x
Each year, in accordance with provincial legislation, the Treasurer will provide
Council with a Parkland Dedication Reserve Fund Statement with balances,
expenditures, collections and transfers;
x
The City's annual audited Financial Statements and provincially mandated
Financial Information Return
POLICY REVIEW
This policy is to be reviewed with every term of Council
The Treasurer has the authority to administratively amend Appendix A: Reserve
and Reserve Fund Policy Schedule when deemed necessary. Administrative
amendments authorized are:
x
Updating Appendix A for Council approved changes, additions or deletions of
individual reserve or reserve fund policies
x
Updating Appendix A for refinement of the reserve and reserve fund targets
as new and improved information becomes available through the Asset
Management or other initiatives
x
Updating Appendix A for the authorization language in the event of a
corporate reorganization that changes the position titles referenced in the
Policy
Page 6 of 6
CITY OF GUELPH CORPORATE POLICY AND PROCEDURE
APPENDIX A: Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy Schedule
NAME
#
PURPOSE
TARGET BALANCE
SOURCE OF FUNDS
USE OF FUNDS
AUTHORITY/TIMING
TAX RATE
OPERATING
CONTINGENCY
180
Provide cash flow, working
capital, sufficient liquidity,
offset extraordinary and
unforeseen corporate
expenditures.
Mitigate fluctuations to the
tax rate for planned one-
time operating budget
impacts.
8-10% of own
source revenue less
other tax-supported
corporate operating
contingency
reserves.
Reserve balance
cannot fall below $5
million in order to
maintain sufficient
corporate liquidity.
Council approved
transfers from the
operating fund and
approved surplus
allocations from the
operating budget at year
end.
To offset budget
deficits arising from
unforeseen,
extraordinary,
expenditures.
To fund one-time
operating budget
impacts that would
otherwise cause a tax
rate fluctuation.
Council approved transfers
during budget, in-year or
end of year.
COMPENSATION
CONTINGENCY
131
Manage operating budget
variances relating to
employee benefits and
other compensation
related costs including:
Medical / Dental benefits,
Short Term and Long Term
Disability, Severance,
Employee Assistance
Program (EAP), Arbitration
related costs, Regulatory
audit decisions, Joint Job
Evaluation Committee, Pay
Equity.
2.5% of total annual
corporate salary and
benefit budget.
Council approved
transfers through
budget and approved
year end surplus
allocations.
Annual surplus from all
employee benefits
including severances,
EAP, arbitration,
grievances, regulatory
decisions.
To offset budget
deficits arising from
compensation related
costs including
employee benefits,
severances, EAP,
arbitration, grievances,
regulatory decisions or
any other unforeseen
one-time compensation
related expenditures.
Council approved transfers
at budget are estimates.
Actual transfers will reflect
real experience and
approved by CAO &
Treasurer.
One-time unforeseen
expenditure funding >
$100 thousand require
Council approval.
LIBRARY OPERATING
CONTINGENCY
102
Mitigate fluctuations to the
tax rate for planned one-
time operating budget
impacts.
Offset extraordinary and
unforeseen Library
expenditures.
Not more than 5%
of the Library annual
operating budget.
Funds transferred in
from Library Board
recommended and
Council approved
surplus allocation.
To fund one-time, or
unforeseen operating
expenditures.
As recommended by the
Library Board and
approved by Council.
POLICE OPERATING
CONTINGENCY
115
Mitigate fluctuations to the
tax rate for planned one-
time operating budget
impacts.
Offset extraordinary and
unforeseen Police
expenditures.
Not more than 5%
of the Police annual
operating budget.
Funds transferred in
from GPS recommended
and Council approved
surplus allocation.
To fund one-time, or
unforeseen operating
expenditures.
As recommended by the
Guelph Police Services
Board and approved by
Council.
ENVIRONMENT AND
UTILITY
CONTINGENCY
198
Offset the impact of
volatile operating
expenditures relating to
energy, fuel, winter control
and other weather related
events and recyclables
commodity prices.
Up to 50% of five
year average hydro
& winter control
expense plus the
difference between
the high and low
commodity proceed
projections.
Council approved
transfers from the
operating fund and
approved surplus
allocations from the
operating budget.
Funds used to offset,
extraordinary and
onetime operating
costs relating to
unforeseen price
increases, legislation
changes, weather
events in excess of
reasonable budget.
CAO and Treasurer
approved transfers in year
in accordance with the pre-
approved purpose.
Minimum claim of $50
thousand required.
SOCIAL HOUSING
208
As a result of provincial
legislation, savings realized
from exempting property
taxes on social housing
facilities shall be held and
invested into future capital
repairs of the housing
stock. This reserve is for
mitigating against
extraordinary and
unforeseen expenditures.
Not more than 10%
of the Social Housing
budget.
Council approved
transfers from the
operating fund and
approved surplus
allocations from the
operating budget.
Funds used to offset
extraordinary and one-
time operating costs
relating to the Social
Housing program
managed by the
County of Wellington
on behalf of the City.
Council approved transfers
during budget, in-year or
end of year.
LEGAL/INSURANCE
193
Manage operating budget
variances relating to
external legal expenditures
and settlements, large
insurance claims,
insurance deductible costs
and other costs not
recoverable through
insurance (lost revenue,
business interruption).
Average of the past
five years legal and
insurance claims.
Council approved
transfers from the
operating fund and
budget surplus from
external legal and
insurance claim
expenses.
Funds used to manage
operating budget
variances related to
retaining outside legal
support to assist the
City at the Ontario
Municipal Board,
administrative tribunals
and court proceedings,
as well as insurance
claim settlement,
payment of insurance
deductibles and funding
of business costs not
recoverable by
insurance (lost
revenues or business
interruption costs.)
CAO and Treasurer
approved transfers in year
in accordance with the pre-
approved purpose.
Council approval for one-
time expenditures > than
$100 thousand.
CORPORATE
OPERATING
TAX SUPPORTED - RESERVES
1/8
APPENDIX A: Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy Schedule
NAME
#
PURPOSE
TARGET BALANCE
SOURCE OF FUNDS
USE OF FUNDS
AUTHORITY/TIMING
ACCUMULATED SICK
LEAVE (FIRE)
100
Accumulate funds over the
service life of an employee
to fund sick leave hours
that are payable in the
future.
Minimum = 95% of
the Liability for Sick
Leave.
Annual contribution from
the operating fund
based on the City's sick
leave liability.
To pay sick leave
liabilities as incurred, at
retirement or
termination, as defined
by the collective
agreement.
Council approved transfers
at budget are estimates.
Actual transfers will reflect
real experience and
approved by Treasurer.
ACCUMULATED SICK
LEAVE (POLICE)
101
Accumulate funds over the
service life of an employee
to fund sick leave hours
that are payable in the
future.
Minimum = 95% of
the Liability for Sick
Leave.
Annual contribution from
the operating fund
based on the City's sick
leave liability.
To pay sick leave
liabilities as incurred, at
retirement or
termination, as defined
by the collective
agreement.
Council approved transfers
at budget are estimates.
Actual transfers will reflect
real experience and
approved by Treasurer.
HEALTH CARE
SPENDING (FIRE)
103
Accumulate funds for the
heathcare spending
account of retired
firefighters between the
ages of 65 and 70.
No established
target balance.
No established source of
funds.
No established use of
funds.
No established
authority/timing.
WSIB
330
Accumulate funds
throughout the service life
of an employee to fund the
expected cost of WSIB
claims.
Minimum = 25% of
the WSIB Liability.
Contribution amount
from operating fund
accumulated on a per
employee basis to
reflect the estimated
annual cost of the WSIB
claims.
To fund WSIB claim
payments.
Council approved transfers
at budget are estimates.
Actual transfers will reflect
real experience and
approved by Treasurer.
PARAMEDIC
RETIREMENT
338
Accumulate funds over the
service life of an employee
to fund the future cost of
retirement benefits.
Paramedic employees
hired before July 1, 2010
receive a lump sum
retirement benefit based
on years of service.
Equal to the long
term funding plan
required to fund
retirement payments
over the remaining
service life of the
paramedics.
Contribution from
operating fund
accumulated based on a
per employee basis to
reflect future cost of the
severance benefit.
To fund retirement and
severance benefit
payments as per the
collective agreement.
Council approved transfers
at budget are estimates.
Actual transfers will reflect
real experience and
approved by Treasurer.
ELECTION COSTS
195
Amortize the cost of a
municipal election over
four years, rather than
funding the entire amount
in the year of the election.
Prior election cost
total plus
accumulated annual
inflation to be
achieved by next
election year.
Funds transferred in
from an annual
budgeted transfer from
the Clerks Election
operating budget.
Funds transferred out
every four years to
fund the cost of
running the municipal
election.
Council approved through
annual Operating Budget
or other in year Council
report.
WESTMINSTER
WOODS
345
This reserve is required, as
per the Licence Agreement
(September 2006)
between the City and
Westminster Woods Ltd.
$35,000
The reserve fund to be
maintained by
contributions from
Westminster in
accordance with an
engineer's report every
three years that
estimates the cost for
removal of the Works,
restoration of the lands,
plus a 10% contingency.
To cover the cost to
remove the Works and
restoration of the
licensed lands or
perform emergency
repair of the Works on
the Licensed Lands, at
the City's discretion.
As approved by the DCAO
of IDE in-year.
AFFORDABLE
HOUSING
119
To provide incentives to
developers that encourage
the creation of affordable
rental units.
Funds required to
support the Council
approved Housing
Affordability
Strategy.
Funds transferred in
from approved
contributions from the
City's annual operating
budget.
Funds awarded to
affordable housing
projects that meet
program requirements.
Council approved
allocations to the reserve
through annual budget.
Use of funds approved by
management in
accordance with Council
direction.
REDEVELOPMENT
INCENTIVES (3)
122
Incentive program aimed
at encouraging
redevelopment of
brownfield sites, heritage
sites and high density
developments in the
downtown.
Please see the TIBG
fiscal impact
schedule for the
program funding
requirements (based
on committed and
completed projects).
Balance must be
positive.
Funds transferred in
from approved
contributions from the
operating budget.
Funds awarded to
Council approved
redevelopment projects
within the downtown
core. TIBGs paid out to
each project over a
maximum of 10 years
and grant amount
calculation based on
incremental tax
assessment.
Total program budget
approved by council in
April 2012.
Management administers
incentive grant payment
funding in accordance with
the Council approved
program.
DOWNTOWN
IMPROVEMENT
194
Downtown CIP incentive
program supports private
sector investments in the
form of façade
improvement, feasibility
studies and large scale
renovations.
Reserve is intended
to accommodate
longer term grant
commitments over a
yearend. There
should be no
uncommitted
balance in the
reserve.
Funds transferred in
from the City's annual
operating budget
provision.
Eligible projects could
receive: 50% Feasibility
Study amounts up to
$5000; 50% Façade
Improvement up to a
maximum of $10,000;
and 30% capital cost of
redevelopment to a
maximum of $120,000
per address.
Annual program allocation
approved by Council
through the Operating
Budget. Eligible
properties determined by
GM Business
Development.
PROGRAM SPECIFIC
2/8
APPENDIX A: Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy Schedule
NAME
#
PURPOSE
TARGET BALANCE
SOURCE OF FUNDS
USE OF FUNDS
AUTHORITY/TIMING
STRATEGIC
INITATIVES
179
Enable the development
and execution of corporate
initiatives.
No established
maximum limit,
reserve balance
must be positive.
One time contribution of
$1.1 million in 2011.
Funds will be used for
the exclusive purpose
of financing initiatives
identified in the City's
Corporate
Administration Plan.
Council approved through
the Operating Budget or
other in year Council
report.
TOURISM MUNICIPAL
ACCOMODATIONS
TAX
184
To fund tourism
development programs
and projects in accordance
with the objectives as
approved in report 2022-
09.
No established
maximum. Reserve
balance must be
positive.
Bylaw (2022) - 20691
Municipal
Accommodation Tax
collection net of
administration costs.
Program and capital
projects consistent with
Attachment-1 of report
2022-09.
Capital and/or operating
transfers will be approved
by Council as part of
budget. DCAO IDE and
City Treasurer approval of
in-year transfers in
accordance with the pre-
approved purpose/use.
STRATEGIC
PROPERTY
332
Manage funds restricted
for the purpose of meeting
the City's goals through
strategic property
decisions.
No established limit,
reserve balance
should be positive.
Primarily proceeds from
sale of city-owned land,
where it was not already
previously budgeted as
a revenue source. Other
sources may include
rental and lease income.
Funds can be used to
advance strategic City
goals through property
transactions including
but not limited to
acquiring property that
is strategic in nature
and not for the sole
purpose of providing
City services,
resourcing planning
and studies, operating
expenses resulting
from land owned for
strategic purposes,
servicing land for the
purpose of resale and
repayment of debt
issued for any of these
purposes.
Recommendations
endorsed by the internal
Strategic Property
Committee to Council for
approvals through the
Capital and Operating
Budget or other in-year
Council report.
In-year use up to $1.5
million, with approval from
CAO and Treasurer, in
alignment with delegated
authority of property
acquisition. Reporting to
Council for any such use
of reserve is required
annually.
EVERGREEN
DONATION BEQUEST
134
To fund future investment
at the Evergreen Seniors
Community Centre.
No established
target balance.
No established source of
funds.
No established use of
funds.
No established
authority/timing.
MUSEUM
DONATIONS (3)
135
Accumulate donations for
the Civic Museum and
McCrae house to be used
for future operating or
capital projects, including
artifacts.
No established
maximum limit,
reserve balance
must be positive.
Funds transferred in
from private donations
or bequests.
Funds transferred out
for approved capital
projects or operating
expenditures relating to
the Museums.
As approved by the DCAO
of Public Services.
TRANSPORTATION
164
To support the
implementation of the TMP
initiatives in support of
Vision Zero.
No established
maximum, reserve
fund balance must
be positive.
Net revenues collected
from fines levied via red
light cameras and
automated traffic
enforcement programs.
Budget approved
expenditures that
support the
achievement of Vision
Zero initiatives of the
TMP, including both
capital and operating
investments with
measurable impacts in
reducing collision
severity.
No established
authority/timing.
PUBLIC ART
356
Accumulate funds for the
purpose of investing in
public art.
No established
maximum limit,
reserve balance
must be positive.
Council approved
transfers from operating
or funds transferred in
from private donations.
To fund the acquisition
and maintenance of
public art.
Council approved through
the Operating or Capital
Budget or other in year
Council report.
COMMUNITY
INVESTMENT
205
To fund the Community
Investment Strategy
(CIS).
No established
maximum balance,
reserve balance
must be positive.
One-time transfers as
approved by Council,
and/or as approved
through the operating
budget.
Programs as identified
in the 2019 updated
CIS and associated
temporary staffing.
DCAO and Treasurer
approved in-year transfers
in accordance with the pre-
approved purpose/use.
Council approval required
for any other transfer.
RENTAL PROPERTY
206
Accumulate funds from the
lease and rental revenues
generated from city-owned
properties that will be used
to fund maintenance those
buildings.
No established
maximum limit,
reserve balance
must be positive.
Proceeds from lease and
rental agreements on
corporate properties.
To fund facility
maintenance
requirements on
corporate facilities that
are leased or rented.
As approved by the DCAO
of IDE in-year.
LIBRARY BEQUESTS
138
To fund one-time library
related capital or operating
expenses.
No established
maximum limit,
reserve balance
must be positive.
Funds transferred in
from private donations.
Funds transferred out
to fund library
operating and capital
expenditures.
As approved by the
Library Board.
LIBRARY CAPITAL
157
To assist in financing the
cost of construction,
reconstruction or
acquisition of Library
assets.
No established
maximum limit,
reserve balance
must be positive.
Council approved
transfers from operating
and proceeds of the sale
from disposed Library
assets.
To fund initiatives that
support Library
infrastructure, life cycle
or expansion.
As recommended by the
Library Board and
approved by Council
through the Capital
Budget.
STRATEGIC
TAX-SUPPORTED - RESERVE FUNDS
PROGRAM SPECIFIC
3/8
APPENDIX A: Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy Schedule
NAME
#
PURPOSE
TARGET BALANCE
SOURCE OF FUNDS
USE OF FUNDS
AUTHORITY/TIMING
POLICE CAPITAL
158
To assist in financing the
cost of construction,
reconstruction or
acquisition of Police assets.
No established
maximum limit,
reserve balance
must be positive.
Council approved
transfers from operating
and proceeds of the sale
from disposed Police
assets.
To fund initiatives that
support Police
infrastructure, life cycle
or expansions.
As recommended by the
Police Services Board and
approved by Council
through the Capital
Budget.
PARAMEDIC
SERVICES
PROVINCIAL CAPITAL
360
Funding from the Ministry
of Health to support
replacement of Paramedic
capital assets.
No established
maximum limit,
reserve balance
must be positive.
Annual provincial
funding of depreciation,
equal to 50% of prior
years annual
depreciation.
Fund up to 50% of
lifecycle replacement of
paramedic services
equipment, vehicles
and facility costs.
Council approval through
the annual capital budget
or other in year Council
report.
SLEEMAN CENTRE
NAMING RIGHTS
162
To fund capital projects at
the Sleeman Centre.
No established
maximum limit,
reserve balance
must be positive.
Funds transferred in
from the rights fee
based on the naming
rights and sponsorship
agreement with
Sleeman Breweries.
(2007-2019)
To fund capital
investments at the
Sleeman Centre.
Council approved through
the Capital Budget or by a
DCAO and Treasurer in-
year.
SLEEMAN CENTRE
189
To fund non-lifecycle
capital projects at the
Sleeman Centre.
No established
maximum limit,
reserve balance
must be positive.
A surcharge between
$.25 and $1.5 is added
to tickets sold for special
events at the Sleeman
Centre event and then
transferred to the
reserve.
To fund non-lifecycle
capital projects.
Council approved through
the Capital Budget or by
the DCAO Public Services
and Treasurer in-year.
RIVER RUN
340
To fund capital projects at
the River Run.
No established
maximum limit,
reserve balance
must be positive.
A surcharge of
$1.75/ticket on tickets
over $10 is added to
those sold for River Run
Centre events and
transferred to the
reserve.
To fund non-life cycle
capital projects relating
to the River Run.
Council approved through
the Capital Budget or by
the DCAO Public Services
and Treasurer in-year.
TREE
COMPENSATION
365
To accumulate funds
collected under the Tree
By-law (2010)-19058 or
successor by-laws and
finance tree planting
activities in the City.
No established
maximum limit.
Reserve fund
balance must be
positive.
Fees collected under the
City's Tree By-law
(2010)-19058.
To fund tree planting
costs.
Council approved through
the budget or in-year
Council report.
BROWNFIELD
RENEWAL
155
Allocation of funds to
manage liabilities
associated with city-owned
environmentally
contaminated sites.
10% of the current
outstanding liability.
Council approved
transfer from operating
fund.
Funds will be used to
investigate, remediate
and asses risk
associated with city-
owned contaminated
sites and ensure
potential risks to
human and
environmental health
are managed
appropriately.
Council approved in-year
and through the Capital
Budget.
INFRASTRUCTURE
RENEWAL
150
To provide funds for the
replacement and
rehabilitation of the City's
infrastructure.
Annual capital
transfer equal to 100
year average total
tax supported asset
replacement cost;
Balance equal one
year's worth of tax
supported capital
requirement based
on ten year average.
**To be further
refined through the
work of the Asset
Management Office.
Council approved
transfer from operating
budget and the
proceeds from the sale
of vehicle and
equipment assets.
Funds used to replace
or renew existing
infrastructure.
Council approved through
capital budget or other in
year Council report.
Treasurer authority for
annual transfers (inclusive
of all capital tax funded
reserve funds) of not more
than 0.5% of annual tax
supported capital budget
for administrative
purposes of closing capital
projects.
GROWTH
156
To provide funds to cover
shortfalls in growth related
capital funding relating to
exemptions, reductions
and limitations mandated
by the Development
Charge Act, 1997 and
exemptions prescribed by
the City's DC By-law.
25% of annual DC
collections (based on
three year average
before exemptions).
Council approved
transfer from operating
fund.
To fund growth related
capital costs not
covered by
development charges.
Council approved through
capital budget or other in
year Council report.
Management authority of
annual transfers not more
than 0.5% of annual
growth related capital
budget for administrative
purposes of closing capital
projects.
STRATEGIC
4/8
APPENDIX A: Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy Schedule
NAME
#
PURPOSE
TARGET BALANCE
SOURCE OF FUNDS
USE OF FUNDS
AUTHORITY/TIMING
SERVICE
ENHANCEMENT
159
To fund enhancements to
City assets that are non-
growth related and not
asset renewal, including
those related to
accessibility.
Average 10 year
annual requirement.
Council approved
transfer from operating
fund.
Funds will be used for
capital expenditures
that enhance existing
assets or introduce new
assets relating to new
services.
Council approved through
capital budget or other in
year Council report.
Management authority for
annual transfers (inclusive
of all capital tax funded
reserve funds) of not more
than 0.5% of annual tax
supported capital budget
for administrative
purposes of closing capital
projects.
100RE
355
To provide funding for
capital and operating
projects that will enable
the City to accomplish its
stated goal of reaching
100% renewable energy
usage by 2050.
Development of long-
term target balance
in process.
Budgeted transfers from
operating and revenue
generated from energy
related activities.
Funds to be used for
capital and operating
expenditures that
contribute to the goal
of reaching 100%
renewable energy by
2050.
Expenditures to be
approved via the annual
operating and capital
budgets.
EFFICIENCY,
INNOVATION AND
OPPORTUNITY FUND
351
To provide funding for
corporate investment
opportunities that
generate efficiencies
and/or savings or avoided
costs that may be repaid
to the reserve in full or
part over a period of time.
Minimum $5 million.
Future contributions
from ongoing Council
approved transfers from
the operating fund and
project repayments for
derived savings over an
approved repayment
term.
Funds to be used for
the exclusive purpose
of financing corporate
efficiency investment
priorities in accordance
with the limitations set
out in the policy
(2017).
CAO and Treasurer
approval of $250 thousand
annual projects based on
an application process.
Council approval of use
over $250 thousand
annually.
WATER OPERATING
CONTINGENCY
181
To meet emergency and
unplanned funding needs
for Water Operations in
order to avoid operating
deficits or fluctuations in
the rate.
10% of annual gross
operating
expenditures.
Funds transferred in
from water operating
surpluses.
Funds used to offset
emergency or
unplanned expenses
relating to water
operations.
Council approved at time
of variance reporting and
year-end.
WASTEWATER
OPERATING
CONTINGENCY
182
To meet emergency and
unplanned funding needs
for Wastewater Operations
in order to avoid an
operating deficits or
fluctuations in the rate.
10% of annual gross
operating
expenditures.
Funds transferred in
from wastewater
operating surpluses.
Funds used to offset
emergency or
unplanned expenses
relating to wastewater
operations.
Council approved at time
of variance reporting and
year-end.
PARKING OPERATING
CONTINGENCY
106
To fund emergency and
unplanned operating costs
in order to minimize
fluctuations in the parking
rate.
10% of annual gross
operating
expenditures before
transfers to
reserves.
Council approved
transfers from operating
budget and surplus
allocations.
Funds used to offset
emergency, unplanned
or onetime expenses
relating to parking
operations.
Council approved through
budget or other in year
report.
STORMWATER
OPERATING
CONTINGENCY
359
To meet emergency and
unplanned funding needs
for Stormwater Operations
in order to avoid an
operating deficit or
fluctuations in the rate.
10% of annual gross
operating
expenditures.
Funds transferred in
from stormwater
operating surpluses.
Funds used to offset
emergency or
unplanned expenses
relating to stormwater
operations.
Council approved at time
of variance reporting and
year-end.
COURT
CONTINGENCY
211
To meet emergency and
unplanned funding needs
for Courts in order to avoid
an operating deficit.
8 - 10% of City's
share of Court's
gross operating
expenditures.
Funds transferred in
from Courts annual
operating surplus, if
available.
Funds transferred out
to assist with stabilizing
the Courts annual
operating budget.
Council approved at time
of variance reporting and
year-end.
WATER CAPITAL
152
To assist in financing the
capital program for
waterworks.
Annual capital
transfer equal to 100
year average total
waterworks asset
replacement cost;
Balance equal to the
average 3% of total
waterworks asset
replacement cost.
**To be further
refined through the
work of the Asset
Management Office.
Council approved
transfer from operating
budget and the
proceeds from the sale
of vehicle and
equipment assets.
To replace existing
water infrastructure
and invest in city
building initiatives
relating to water as
well as provide funding
for water growth
related assets to offset
DC exemptions
incurred.
Council approved through
capital budget or other in
year Council report.
Management authority for
annual transfers of not
more than 0.5% of annual
water capital budget for
the administrative purpose
of closing capital projects.
CAPITAL
OPERATING
NON-TAX SUPPORTED - RESERVE FUNDS
PROGRAM SPECIFIC
5/8
APPENDIX A: Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy Schedule
NAME
#
PURPOSE
TARGET BALANCE
SOURCE OF FUNDS
USE OF FUNDS
AUTHORITY/TIMING
WASTEWATER
CAPITAL
153
To assist in financing the
capital program for
Wastewater.
Annual capital
transfer equal to 100
year average total
wastewater asset
replacement cost;
Balance equal to the
average 3% of total
wastewater asset
replacement cost.
**To be further
refined through the
work of the Asset
Management Office.
Council approved
transfer from operating
fund and any
uncommitted surplus
from completed
projects.
To replace existing
wastewater
infrastructure, invest in
city building initiatives
relating to wastewater
as well as provide
funding to wastewater
growth related assets
to offset DC
exemptions incurred.
Council approved through
capital budget or other in
year Council report.
Management authority for
annual transfers of not
more than 0.5% of annual
wastewater capital budget
for the administrative
purpose of closing capital
projects.
STORMWATER
CAPITAL
165
To assist in financing the
capital program for Storm
water.
Annual capital
transfer equal to 100
year average total
stormwater asset
replacement cost;
Balance equal to the
average 3% of total
stormwater asset
replacement cost.
**To be further
refined through the
work of the Asset
Management Office.
Council approved
transfer from operating
fund and any
uncommitted surplus
from completed
projects.
To replace existing
stormwater
infrastructure, invest in
city building initiatives
relating to stormwater
as well as provide
stormwater funding to
growth related assets
to offset DC
exemptions incurred.
Council approved through
capital budget or other in
year Council report.
Management authority for
annual transfers of not
more than 0.5% of annual
stormwater capital budget
for the administrative
purpose of closing capital
projects.
PARKING CAPITAL
151
To assist in financing the
capital program for Parking
Services.
10 year average
capital requirement.
Parking revenue.
To replace existing
parking infrastructure
and invest in City
building initiatives
relating to parking as
well as provide parking
funding to growth
related assets to offset
DC exemptions
incurred.
Council approved through
capital budget.
COURTS CAPITAL
120
To assist in financing the
capital program for the
Provincial Offences Act
(POA) Court operations.
Under review - to be
based on the
outcome of the
Asset Management
Plan work.
Council approved
transfer from operating
fund and any
uncommitted surplus
from completed
projects.
To replace existing
court infrastructure,
invest in city building
initiatives relating to
the court and to
contribute funding to
court growth related
assets for DC
exemptions incurred.
Council approved through
capital budget or other in
year Council report.
Management authority for
annual transfers of not
more than $100 thousand
for the administrative
purpose of closing capital
projects.
PARKLAND
DEDICATION
300
Created in accordance with
subsection 42 (14) and
(15) of the Planning Act
for the purpose of
requiring the payment of
cash-in-lieu of conveyance
of land for a park or other
public recreation purpose.
2017 update to the
City's Parkland
dedication by-law
will provide
information needed
to determine
appropriate target.
Funds transferred in as
collected from
development/redevelop
ment, in lieu of the
conveyance of parkland.
Funds transferred out
for the acquisition of
land to be used for
park or public
recreation purposes, as
per the Planning Act-
sec 42(15).
Council approved through
capital budget or other in
year Council report.
Management authority for
annual transfers of not
more than $100 thousand
for the administrative
purpose of closing capital
projects.
DOWNTOWN
PARKLAND
DEDICATION
301
Created in accordance with
subsection 42 (14) and
(15) of the Planning Act
for the purpose of
requiring the payment of
cash-in-lieu of conveyance
of land for a park or other
public recreation purpose
in the downtown.
25% of the planned
parkland purchase
cost in accordance
with the Downtown
Secondary Plan.
Funds transferred in as
collected from
development in lieu of
the conveyance of
parkland in the
downtown.
Funds to be transferred
out to purchase
additional parkland in
the downtown, in
accordance with the
Planning Act sec 42
(15).
Council approved through
capital budget or other in
year Council report.
Management authority for
annual transfers of not
more than $100 thousand
for the administrative
purpose of closing capital
projects.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
CHARGE
302
To collect funds from the
implementation of a CBC
By-law.
No established
maximum, reserve
fund must be
positive. Per
legislation, 60% of
funds must be
allocated to
approved projects.
Revenues collected from
development in
accordance with the CBC
By-law.
Capital related
expenditures as defined
by the legislation and
CBC Strategy.
No established
authority/timing.
PROGRAM SPECIFIC
OBLIGATORY RESERVE FUNDS
6/8
APPENDIX A: Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy Schedule
NAME
#
PURPOSE
TARGET BALANCE
SOURCE OF FUNDS
USE OF FUNDS
AUTHORITY/TIMING
PARKING PAYMENT-
IN-LIEU
303
Created in accordance with
sub-section 40(3) of the
Planning Act for the
purpose of requiring the
payment-in-lieu of parking
for exemptions made in
accordance with sub-
section 40(1) and 40(2) of
the Planning Act.
No established
maximum. Reserve
fund balance must
be positive.
Revenues collected from
Parking payment-in-lieu
agreements executed
under sub-section 40(2)
of the Planning Act.
Parking capital related
expenditures to invest
in infrastructure to
support growth and
service enhancement.
Council approved through
capital budget or other in
year Council report.
Management authority for
annual transfers of not
more than $100 thousand
for the administrative
purpose of closing capital
projects.
HOUSING
ACCELERATOR FUND
GRANT
304
To fund the HAF program
in accordance with the
grant agreement.
No established
maximum. Reserve
fund balance must
be positive.
HAF grant in accordance
with the grant
agreement.
Allowable uses of funds
in accordance with the
HAF grant agreement.
City Treasurer approval of
transfers in accordance
with the pre-approved
purpose/use.
PACE FUNDING
305
To record and track grant
funding received from FCM
and the disbursement of
funds.
No established
maximum limit.
Reserve fund
balance must be
positive.
FCM as outlined in
Report 2022-27.
To extend energy
efficiency retrofit
grants under the
Guelph Greener Homes
program and to cover
the expenses of
implementing and
operating the program.
City Treasurer - approval
of funding received, loans
issued, and operating cost
incurred.
BUILDING FASTER
FUND GRANT
306
To fund the BFF program
in accordance with the
grant agreement.
No established
maximum. Reserve
fund balance must
be positive.
BFF grant in accordance
with the with the grant
agreement.
Allowable uses of funds
in accordance with the
BFF grant agreement.
City Treasurer approval of
transfers in accordance
with the pre-approved
purpose/use.
COMPLETE
COMMUNITY CHARGE
307
For the provision of
facilities, services and
matters in exchange for a
specified height or density
of development under O.
Reg. 173/16.
No established
maximum limit,
reserve balance
must be positive.
Funds collected as a
Complete Community
Charge for Class 1, 2
and 3 permits under the
Community Planning
and Permit System By-
law.
Provision of facilities,
services and matters to
support the growth-
related costs of the
capital infrastructure
needs identified in the
relevant Community
Benefits Charge
Strategy.
Council approved through
capital budget or other in
year Council report.
CASH-IN-LIEU OF
AFFORDABLE
HOUSING
308
To hold funds collected
through the Community
Planning and Permit
System by-law for the
purpose of advancing
affordable housing
development in Guelph.
Funds required to
support the Council
approved Housing
Affordability
Strategy.
Funds collected as Cash-
in-lieu of Affordable
Housing under the
Community Planning
Permit System By-law.
Funds used for projects
that directly contribute
to units that support
the Council approved
Housing Affordability
Strategy.
Use of funds approved
through the budget
process or other in year
Council report.
ALTERNATIVE
FACILITIES,
SERVICES AND
MATTERS
309
For payment of cash-in-
lieu for additional facilities,
services and matters in
exchange for a specified
height or density of
development under O.
Reg. 173/16.
No established
maximum limit,
reserve balance
must be positive.
Funds collected as
Alternative Facilities,
Services and Matters
fees for Class 3 permits
under the Community
Planning Permit System
By-law.
Provision of facilities,
services and matters as
outlined in provision
1.14.7 of the
Community Planning
Permit System By-law
as amended from time
to time.
Council approved through
capital budget or other in
year Council report.
BUILDING SERVICES
OBC STABILIZATION
188
As mandated by
O.Reg.305/03 of the
Building Code, a building
services stabilization
reserve fund is required
for managing fluctuations
in City building activity
that may impact
operations.
Between 100 and
150 per cent of prior
year budget
operating
expenditures.
Funds transferred in
from building service
delivery surplus.
To cover shortfalls in
building operations or
applied to capital
projects related to
Building related
services.
Use and authority as
mandated by Provincial
Legislation.
DEDICATED GAS TAX
342
Monies received from the
Provincial government that
are to be used to support
increased public
transportation ridership
and investments in the
renewal and expansion of
public transportation.
No established
maximum limit,
reserve balance
must be positive.
Annual transfer from
Government of Ontario
from provincial gasoline
tax based on a formula
using annual ridership
numbers.
Funds must be used for
the provision of public
transportation.
Council approved through
capital budget or other in
year Council report.
Management authority for
annual transfers of not
more than $100 thousand
for the administrative
purpose of closing capital
projects.
CANADA COMMUNITY-
BUILDING FUND
343
Infrastructure
construction, renewal or
enhancement within 17
eligible categories.
No established
maximum limit,
reserve balance
must be positive.
Annual transfer from the
Government of Canada
from federal gasoline tax
based on a per capita
basis.
Funds must be used for
the construction,
renewal or
enhancement of capital
assets within 17
categories established
by the Government of
Canada.
Council approved through
capital budget or other in
year Council report.
Management authority for
annual transfers of not
more than $100 thousand
for the administrative
purpose of closing capital
projects.
CORPORATE
7/8
APPENDIX A: Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy Schedule
NAME
#
PURPOSE
TARGET BALANCE
SOURCE OF FUNDS
USE OF FUNDS
AUTHORITY/TIMING
FEDERAL PUBLIC
TRANSIT
344
To fund the Safe Restart
Transit program in
accordance with the grant
agreement.
No established
target balance.
No established source of
funds.
No established use of
funds.
No established
authority/timing.
COMMUNITY
PARAMEDICINE
348
To hold the funds received
from the Province for the
community paramedicine
program in advance of
them being utilized.
No established
target balance.
No established source of
funds.
No established use of
funds.
No established
authority/timing.
PACE LOAN LOSS
PROVISION
362
To set aside funds from
FCM grant to cover any
future potential losses
arising from loans made to
participating property
owners through the
Guelph Greener Homes
Program.
Five per cent of the
total dollar amount
of outstanding
principal of loan
issued by the City
(Guelph Greener
Homes Program).
FCM and City portion as
outlined in Report 2022-
27.
To recover losses
incurred at any time
during the repayment
term of the loan issued
to property owners.
City Treasurer - from
September 2023 until the
date all loans issued under
the program are fully paid.
DEVELOPMENT
CHARGES
311
to
329
and
364
As prescribed by the DCA,
1997 , reserve funds are
used to facilitate the
collection of development
charges from growth
within the City and the
funding of capital
infrastructure required to
accommodate that growth.
Reserve fund
balance must be
zero by build out and
debt interest cannot
exceed 20% of
annual DC revenues.
Funds transferred in as
collected from
developers.
Funds transferred out
for the growth-related
component of projects
identified in the
Development Charges
Background Study.
Council approved through
capital budget or other in
year Council report.
Management authority for
annual transfers of not
more than 0.5% of annual
growth funded capital
budget for the
administrative purpose of
closing capital projects.
8/8