TWP. OF CENTRE WELLINGTON – Centre Wellington committee of the whole was split, but ultimately the vote was in favour of recommending the 2021 budget.
At Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting, council was told the proposed tax levy increase had been brought down to 1.3 per cent which was lower than previous projections.
Township finance staff explained this was partly due to a one time reduction to the dedicated capital levy, which is a tax used exclusively to rebuild or repair the town’s many bridges.
This increase will mean an extra $15 on an average assessed property at $381,095.
Community services was highlighted as the most COVID-impacted sector of the budget as parks and recreation buildings were closed or only partially opened for a majority of the year.
However, councillor Stephen Kitras noted the payroll for staff in that department had gone up when it is anticipated that recreation facilities will still be running at reduced capacity for much of the year.
“Why are we spending this money when we could save this money?” Kitras asked. “I don’t understand, you’re adding to the budget on facilities that we aren’t using as a taxpayer.”
CAO Andy Goldie explained that staff from these sectors were largely redeployed and they are preparing to run at orange levels through 2021.
Dan Wilson, director of finance, further added that anything budgeted that is impacted by COVID will be offset from a reserve, regardless of what the actual impact ends up being.
When it came down to vote, some councillors began airing their grievances.
Councillor Bob Foster stressed that they could have done better to lower the tax increase for their constituents in a financially challenging year.
He pointed out that Guelph/Eramosa and Mapleton both had no increase and a decrease respectively.
“Here at home we have business as usual,” Foster said. “Increasing our taxes as though the taxpayer is a bottomless pit and we’ve done so in one of the most difficult years of this century.”
Councillor Kirk McElwain thanked staff for the information but was unhappy at how quickly the final draft budget was presented that morning as he didn’t have a chance to ask questions he had.
McElwain said he has not voted in favour of the budget since 2010, which is when OLG funds were first used for anything but bridge infrastructure.
This wasn’t changing at this meeting either but relented that any discussion was fruitless as he said he was pretty sure it would pass regardless.
Kitras too expressed frustration at the lack of discussion on some budgetary items that he tried to bring up during the meeting.
Not all on council were unhappy with the budget.
“I’m pleased that staff came in lower than we were expecting and I’m glad to see a slight reduction in the bridge levy,” said councillor Neil Dunsmore.
Dunsmore also pointed out that comparing their township to others without the same infrastructure is unfair.
Ian MacRae, councillor, said he thought the budget was well thought out and realistic.
“This budget was not easy and it’s achievement is a testament to our staff’s efforts and expertise,” MacRae said.
Mayor Kelly Linton thanked staff for their effort on the budget, especially during the year of COVID.
The recommendation passed by a 4-3 vote and will head to council for final approval later this month.
In favour: Dunsmore, Linton, MacRae and Steven VanLeeuwen
Against: Foster, Kitras and McElwain
