This week’s Council meeting (which coincided with the US election…but we won’t talk about that) saw Council approve the Capital Budget. In addition, we had first look at the operating budget. Council received the Draft Operating Budget and a presentation from our Director of Finance, Mr. Dan Elliott. As I noted previously, there are a number of new initiatives that this Council has instituted to make the budget process more efficient and effective and we are beginning to see the benefit of those initiatives. Staff are beginning to look at budget lines to find efficiencies; find ways to enhance fiscal responsibility while continuing to provide the services that the residents of this Town deserve.
Over the past two budget cycles, I have moved that we reduce excess training and development budget by $100,000 and consider a hiring freeze both of which are ways in which we could have a meaningful impact on the bottom line. I believe we are on the right track, as we’ve have started to look at every item and have undertaken a number of financial initiatives such as reducing reliance on supplementary tax and hydro interest; however, there is still work to be done. I will continue to push for ways to get more bang for our buck; how we as a Town can provide the best services for our residents at the best price.
As it stands right now, the draft budget has a proposed tax rate of 2.9%. Council will be deliberating the operating budget Monday November 14 2016 starting at 9 am. I encourage anyone interested in attending to come out to the meeting.
There will be more to come on budget talk in the near future. In the interim, if any of you have any questions about the budget please contact me and I will be happy to answer your questions.
Till the next Council meeting let’s continue to work together and get things done!!
