Annual Report 2004 - Finance and Administration

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The Finance and Administration Committee provides the strategic direction and acts as an advisory body to Regional Council.

With approximately 40,000 new residents annually, the Finance and Administration Committee provides policy direction and guidance to ensure the efficient and effective management of the Region’s financial condition, human resources, legislative and record keeping services and legislative requirements under provincial tax reform. The Committee is also responsible for overseeing court administration for cases prosecuted under the Provincial Offences Act.

In 2004, the Region’s operating and capital budget exceeded $1.7 billion. More than 3,400 people, including Regional staff and York Regional Police, were employed at York Region in 2004.

FISCAL MANAGEMENT
Focus: Provide effective fiscal management, administration and planning of York Region’s resources.

Achievements:

•	Maximize investment returns, to provide additional revenues at low risk.
•	Investment returns exceeded portfolio benchmark by over 50 basis points, the 6th successive year of this achievement.
•	Development Charge collections totalling $74.6 million.
•	Among the lowest costs of administration for Ontario municipalities (MPMP results).

PROGRAM EFFICIENCIES
Focus: Lead the search for program efficiencies and continuous improvement opportunities.
Achievements:

•	Program reductions and efficiencies reduced net expenditures by $7.7 million in the 2005 budget development process.
•	Incorporated a balanced approach to evaluating program delivery by developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). KPIs measure service levels, efficiency, customer service and program outcomes for all direct service business units.

MEETING FUTURE CHALLENGES
Focus: Deliver sustainable financial policies to support corporate strategic initiatives to meet future challenges.
Achievements:

•	Council directed an update to the Development Charges By-law to enhance the Region’s ability to meet future infrastructure challenges and recognize increased costs associated with approved projects.
•	The Region issued public debentures in the spring and fall, borrowing a total of $226.7 million at historically low interest rates to finance new and updated infrastructure.
•	Maintained AAA credit rating by both Moody’s Investors Service and Standard and Poors.

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES
Focus: Effective management of finance and administration activities with an emphasis on innovative and cost-effective continuous improvement initiatives.
Achievements:

•	Initiated the York Region Information Technology Strategy (YRITS), a five-year plan for strategic investment in technology to support Regional service delivery goals and the effective deployment of information technology resources.

SPECIALIZED FUNDING
Focus: Provide continued funding to partners to enhance the Region’s environment and human services.
Achievements:

•	Provided $3.2 million in 2004 to the Conservation Authorities operating within York Region for water improvements, land conservation and education.
•	Continued contribution of $7.3 million in 2004, of $62.5 million total commitment for capital redevelopment projects at local area hospitals.

GREATER PERFORMANCE
Focus: Contribute to the Region’s strategic visions and initiatives.
Achievements:

•	Expanded French language services at the Newmarket Court facility in accordance with Federal requirements.
•	Partnerships with local municipalities to deliver management training; $70,000 in revenue was generated, enabling local municipalities to attend training otherwise not feasible or affordable.
•	Assessed the results of the employee satisfaction survey and developed action plans for implementation, expected to achieve greater organizational performance.




•	Invested $882.5 million in capital infrastructure to address the Region’s growing needs.
•	Responded to over 1,900 customer inquiries on development financing.
•	Served over 30,000 customers at each of the Customer Service Information Kiosks located at the Regional Administrative Centre in Newmarket and the South Services Centre in Richmond Hill

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