1. Affordability
The budget is framed around “holding the line” at a 4.25% residential tax increase, but what objective affordability metrics (e.g., tax burden as % of median household income) were used in developing this target? How does that compare to inflation and wage growth in Hamilton for 2025/26?
2. Service Level Impacts
To meet the 4.25% target, where exactly have service levels been reduced or deferred, and what quantifiable service impacts will residents see?
3. Operating vs Capital Trade-Offs
How much operating budget pressure (inflation, wages, contracted services) is crowding out capital infrastructure investment, and what is the projected impact on the City’s state-of-good-repair backlog over the next 5–10 years?
4. Infrastructure Risk
The budget prioritizes $626M in infrastructure renewal, but what proportion of this is fully funded versus reliant on uncertain external grants? What risk mitigation exists if provincial/federal funding does not come through as expected?
5. Public Works Cost Drivers
With Public Works seeking a significant increase due to two-way conversion projects and other capital priorities, which projects are mandatory versus discretionary? What financial contingency exists if priorities shift?
6. Long-Term Transit Funding
Given ongoing transformation with HSR Next and service changes, how are transit operating costs forecast beyond 2026, and what provisions are in place to avoid service cuts or fare increases if ridership or fuel costs change?
7. Reserve and Debt Strategy
What is the current status of key reserves (infrastructure, transit, emergency) and how much of those reserves are being drawn down in 2026? Are there planned new borrowing strategies, and what are the long-term implications for debt servicing costs?
8. Performance and Accountability Measures
What specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) has Administration adopted to monitor the budget’s implementation (e.g., project completion rates, response times for core services, debt ratios) and how will those be reported publicly through the year?
09. Equity and Vulnerable Populations
How does the budget address equity considerations, especially for low-income households, renters, seniors, Indigenous communities, and persons with disabilities? Are there targeted investments or protections in the operating and capital budgets? What data supports these choices?
10. Votes
How many hours have we (city council) spent debating grass cutting and how might those efforts translate into assured votes in the upcoming election? What is the hours spent per vote ratio?
Note: #10 was facetious- sort of....
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
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