South Frontenac Council - Nov. 13

Wilma Kenny | Nov 15, 2012

Budget Deliberations

On Saturday Nov 10, council met for five hours to review the preliminary 2013 budget. As presented, both capital and operating budgets were up, reserves were to be drawn down $1,269,681, and there remained the assumption that $600,000 would continue to come from the City of Kingston: “talks are underway.” The bottom line was a projected increase of 4.78% in property taxes. Assessment phase in is expected to show an increase of 6.5%, down from the past three years of over 8%, as projected growth has slowed to just 1.96%. CAO Orr drew Council’s attention to nine major expansion initiatives that are proposed for 2013: roads construction, contracted roadside brushing, bridge maintenance, topsoil and seeding, mowing to fence line, pavement preservation, expanded dust control, consulting in human relations, workplace safety and technology, and updating civic numbering.

The day proceeded with questions, discussion, and requests for more information. There was general concern about drawing too heavily from reserves.

In summary, Mayor Davison directed staff to come back with two options: a budget proposal with a tax increase “modestly above 3%”, and one with the increase “modestly below 3%.” Orr agreed to bring an updated budget package, with highlighted changes, to Council on December 4.

Sydenham Water Costs Still Not Resolved

The upgrade to the Sydenham Water Works had a capital cost of $1,435,000. Federal/provincial grants covered $946,666 of this, but the municipal portion of $488,336 remains unfinanced. As well, increasing operating costs have resulted in reserves that are well below the funding needed to cover depreciation /replacement costs.

The treasurer’s report states: “The Sustainable Water and Sewage System Act requires municipalities that provide water and sewage services to the public to implement full cost accounting and full cost recovery including operating, financing, replacement and improvement costs. The Act seeks to introduce the principle that having consumers pay the full cost of providing water...will promote water conservation and greater awareness of water and environmental protection.”

Treasurer Fragnito presented this report for information: it will be brought back for further discussion in January.

Council Composition

In response to an earlier recommendation from Council, Orr presented a summary of possible changes to the composition of Council, details of council composition in 15 neighbouring townships, and a framework for the public consultation process that would be required before making any changes. The seven alternatives included increasing or decreasing the size of Council, electing councilors by district, or from the township at large, and electing a deputy mayor as a separate position. Councilors expressed a range of ideas, finally agreeing to keep the status quo for now, but directing Orr to develop a question about council composition that might be proposed to the public, possibly at the time of the next election.

Footnote:

South Frontenac Council held a regular meeting, and two Committee of the Whole meetings, one of them on a Saturday, during the local deer hunting season and all members were present for all three meetings. This may well be a first.