Thread by @LoveWilmot

The fourth and final Budget Ad Hoc Committee meeting is on Monday, February 3 at 5:30pm. The agenda is only one page, but there are detailed staff reports in the full package, which is available from the township's website: …ttownship.icreate6.esolutionsgroup.ca/budget/Detail/…. Follow the live tweets here 👇

Mayor Armstrong starts the meeting. Coun Gordijk reads the land acknowledgement.

No disclosures of pecuniary interest.

Patrick Kelly (Director of Finance) with a report on the proposed 2020 operating budget. Mentions that it differs from the typical township budget, but stresses it is balanced.

Along with Mayor Armstrong and CAO Grant Whittington, Mr Kelly has advocated alongside the other townships in the Region to let the provincial government know what effect continued cuts will have on operations.

Mr Kelly thanks staff for their work preparing the budget.

Comments from Coun Jeff Gerber about the proposed budget. Says there is a cumulative effect on the system due to increased expectations on staff with regards to demands from council (refers to notices of motion) and the public.

Mayor Armstrong says he agrees and adds that provincial government cuts are also having an effect.

Coun Gordijk says residents have contacted her regarding outdoor community ice rinks. Asks about the consultation process. Scott Nancekivell (Director of Facilities & Recreation Services) says there is a policy in place for administering requests.

Mr Nancekivell: It's generally people in neighbourhoods who request rinks, which are taken care of by community volunteers.

Coun Barry Fisher says he's proud that during his time on council the township has been debt free. Recognizes there is a difference between "needs" and "wants". Not against going into debt, if it's warranted.

Coun Gordijk thanks the finance department for breaking out the grants section from general revenue, so residents can see how the township is helping local community groups.

Coun Jenn Pfenning: Talks about concept of taking debt for municipalities. Says the community has said that they don't mind the township spending on things that are important to the community.

Coun Pfenning says she doesn't have a lot of questions this evening because she respects the work done by the finance department.

Coun Angie Hallman says she's happy to see the health and safety investment by the township.

Coun Fisher asks if we know how other municipalities came up with their budgets/taxes? Mr Kelly says only Woolwich and Wilmot have separated out special levies, but the cost of living increase is pretty consistent across the region.

Council votes to accept the operating budget in principal.

Ashton Romany (Manager of Finance/Deputy Treasurer) with a report on the 2020 Water & Sanitary Operating Budget & Rates Analysis.

Coun Hallman: Refers to the 2019 budget and its inclusion of water conservation. Asks for it to be added back in next year.

Recommendation:
THAT the proposed 2020 Water & Sanitary Operating Budget, including the proposed rate increases, be endorsed and further;
THAT the proposed rate increases be effective January 1, 2020 and further;
THAT the Water and Sanitary Rates By-Law be updated accordingly...

Recommendation has been carried.

Mr Kelly with a report on the 2020 Municipal Budget Package. Says it will be brought forward at the public council meeting on February 10.

Coun Fisher and Gordijk thank the finance department for their work and expertise.

Coun Gordijk adds that she's grateful to Mr Kelly for presenting the budget in a way that breaks down where residents' tax money is going.

Coun Pfenning also thanks the finance department for their work. Says that residents are getting very good value for money.

Mayor Armstrong says staff have done a great job and thanks them.

Recommendation:
THAT the 2020 Municipal Budget, as prepared by the Director of Finance / Treasurer and Manager of Finance / Deputy Treasurer, be endorsed and recommended to Council on February 10, 2020.

Carried.

We're adjourned at 6:15pm.