PERIOD REPORT
DATE: May 25, 2026 Report No. FIN-26-012
TO: Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Ian Irvine, Director of Financial Services and IT
SUBJECT:TITLE Financial Services and IT Departments - 2026 First Period Report
Body
The following is a report on the activities pertaining to the Financial Services and IT Departments from January 1, 2026 to April 30, 2026.
I. DIVISION ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
1. Budgeting, Financial Reporting and Accounting
• Executed the various components of the annual financial plan and tax rate process utilizing an amended timeline and meeting schedule. This included: (i) presentations to provide a budget overview, outline the various cost drivers, and alternatives for reducing the initial budget increase; (ii) a long-term capital program presentation; (iii) the creation of a draft financial plan based on departmental submissions and Council direction; and (iv) the development and presentation of tax rate scenarios and their impact based on the various discussions and Council direction.
• Prepared documentation, year end reconciliations and draft financial statements to facilitate the annual audit required by legislation.
• Reviewed financial information and the proposed budget in preparation for the annual general meeting related to the strata building where the Esquimalt Library is situated.
2. Risk Management
• Completed a Cyber Security Assessment through our third party insurance provider. The results were positive with the Township scoring 89% overall, including 97% on infrastructure and 100% on data security. They advised us that the Township should be proud of the results, and they rarely see scores this high, especially within municipalities. Staff are reviewing the recommendations which are intended to increase the Township’s security.
• Renewed the Township’s property, fleet and cyber security insurance for the 2026 fiscal year. The property and cyber coverage were secured through the Municipal Insurance Association while fleet insurance is managed by AON.
3. Information Technology
• Closed help desk tickets increased by 9% (2026: 695 vs 2025: 639). While no clear cause for the increase was identified, the parks and finance departments had a higher than normal volume.
• An Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy was drafted and reviewed by senior management. Township directors and managers are now testing the approved internal platform.
• The primary power supply in the Township’s main server room was improved to provide additional uptime for the server infrastructure in the event of a power outage. This move was made to replace older battery units with a focus on mitigating the risk of any data loss.
II. COMMITTEES
• Previously the Financial Services department was responsible for coordinating a meeting to review local grant applications. This responsibility has now been transferred to the Manager of Economic Development.