Central Frontenac Continues Budget Discussions

Craig Bakay | Feb 22, 2023

Central Frontenac Council began its Feb. 14 meeting 2 hours early in order to continue budget discussions.

Treasurer Michael McGovern told Council that after numbers had been tweaked, there will be a 2.9 per cent increase in the municipal tax levy which will come in at $9,602,505.

“That’s with the expected 8.9 per cent County increase added in,” he said. “Which means that for every $100,000 in assessment, the increase will be $33.

“Reserves will be sitting at $4.297 million at the end of the year, the proposed recreational needs study (about $50,000) has been removed and the salary and benefits increase is now down to $348,000.”

He said they will be pulling $2.2 million from reserves this year but since they are putting money into reserves, they will be left with a net of $4.297 million.

“The options are: raise taxes, take out a loan, pull from reserves or don’t do capital projects,” he said.

“Part of that was raised for projects that didn’t get done,” said Mayor Frances Smith.

“The reserves should be used to fund capital projects,” McGovern said. “But there are some funds being used to cover operating expenses.”

Dep. Mayor Phillip Smith noted that continuing to draw from reserves won’t be sustainable in the long run and predicted a large levy increase might be necessary somewhere along the line.

“And we need to look at service levels, staffing levels and all the things that go into the budget,” he said.

“And I think one of the ways to be in a better position is that if we need to meet a financial commitment for a grant, we just don’t apply for it,” said Mayor Frances Smith. “And the other thing is we need to get our properties reassessed in this community because 2016 values don’t make any sense.

“If our assessment goes up, then our tax rate will go down to match it. We’re not going to say ‘now we can spend a million more.’”

She said “we’ll have to tighten our belts to make sure 2023 is not in a deficit position.”

“Twenty-twenty-two will definitely be in a deficit position,” McGovern said.

Left in the roads budget is the resurfacing of the Westport Road, (about $763,000), the pavement preservation program at $235,690, Mathew Street at $25,000 and Arden Road at $579,017. There will be an additional discussion on Mathew Street before the $25,000 is spent.

They also decided to leave in $100,000 for a tarp for the salt dome, $50,000 for improved automatic vehicle locators (which should help with insurance costs) and a roads study for $50,000 (which CAO/Clerk Cathy MacMunn called a “budgeting tool.”)

Council gave public works permission to go ahead and tender some time-sensitive jobs and the final budget is to be brought back to Council for passage at the Feb. 28 meeting.

Frontenac Business Services

Anne Pritchard, executive director of Frontenac Business Services, gave a presentation on the services they provide for area businesses including consulting, loans and business promotion.

“I’ve come to thank you for your support in previous years but also to let you know about the programs and services we’re offering now because until someone needs our service, they’re not really looking for us,” Pritchard said. “So, if you’re able to provide that information for them to come to us, we can assist the businesses of the community.”

Waste Amnesty Approved

Despite every public works manager in Central Frontenac history trying to get rid of it, the waste disposal amnesty program will stay for 2023 as a motion to scrap it was defeated.

Under the program, residents are allowed essentially one free load of garbage (ie, without tipping fees) at the Olden Waste Site. Details of how this year’s program will operate have yet to be worked out (times, days, etc).

“If we can avoid any sort of roadside dumping, I’m in favour of it,” said Coun. Nicki Gowdy. “There’s not a lot in this budget for residents.”

“When we made tires free, it didn’t change anything,” said Coun. Bill Everett. “They still get dumped on the roadside.”

Bob Harvey Remembered

Mayor Frances Smith acknowledged the recent passing of Bob Harvey, long-time Council member and Sharbot Lake barber.

“We may have to name that building (the Township bought Harvey’s former barber shop to use as the public works offices as it is right across the street from the Township Office).