FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Mission Statement

Financial Management Services ensures that the City's finances are managed in accordance with legislative and contractual requirements, and provides advice to council, commissions and management.

Organizational Structure

Division(s)

Administration

Responsible for the planning, co-coordinating and supervision of the clerical functions of the department, which include sending grant application forms, safekeeping of tender deposit cheques and their disbursement, preparing income tax receipts for donations received from various organizations and general inquiries for the director/treasurer.

Accounting

The Accounting Division of Financial Management Services provides financial services to City Council and to staff of the City's departments, boards and commissions. Divisional responsibilities include:

• Establishing, developing and maintaining accounting systems and procedures relating to financial activities for City operations
• Operating and capital budget support for staff of City departments
• Preparing City's annual financial reports and ensuring that City transactions are in compliance with provincial and federal legislation.
• Procurement of supplies and services, as well as disposal of assets

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Responsible for residential and commercial property tax inquiries, tax changes of name and address, tax certificates, tax billing and tax adjustments, commercial tax inquires, assessment changes and addition to taxes, tax appeals, vacancy appeals, mortgage set up, assessment inquiries/ownership, residential and commercial water inquiries, water bills, water meter cards, water certificates, water reading on closing /lawyers´ letters, water name changes and parking violations.

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Click here to visit our Property Tax web page

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Collections

Responsible for collection of payments, including payment of taxes and water, tax sales and inquiries, arrears payment arrangements, water disconnections, dog licences, parking lot permits (Race Street, Lower Level, Lake Street at Wellington), parking garage permits (Carlisle Street and Ontario Street), pre-authorized payments for taxes and water.

Property Management

Management of City-owned property, realty leases, acquisition and disposal of City-owned property.

DIRECTOR / CITY TREASURER

Shelley Chemnitz
Director of Financial Management Services/City Treasurer

The Director's role is to:

• Participate in the implementation of St. Catharines' Strategic Plan and the management of corporate goals, priorities and action plans consistent with Council's policies ensuring that all services delivered are done so efficiently, effectively and responsively
• Organize and co-ordinate the preparation of the annual budget estimates for the approval of city council in accordance with the corporation's objectives
• Oversee the establishment, implementation and maintenance of the methods for collecting, disbursing, raising, controlling and accounting for funds, including budget control, payroll, internal control and administrative policies
• Oversee financial arrangements, such as the investment of borrowing of funds, and the provision of appropriate insurance and fidelity coverage
• Acquisition of land and buildings required for municipal purposes, the co-ordination of their use and the disposition by sale or lease of any surplus
• Procurement of supplies and services for all city departments
• Provide advice on financial management to other departments and boards and assist in union negotiations as required