It's budget time again --- almost.
Staff will be looking for council direction at today's committee of the whole meeting around budget preparations.
Some of the recommendations included in the staff report attached with the agenda would see staff draft a 10-year capital plan showing a two-year budget and an eight-year forecast.
Another recommendation is that staff prepare a draft 2021 budget for all tax supported services, including a one-year budget and a three-year forecast. Staff is also recommending a maximum blended tax rate (county and education) increase between 1.5% and 2% and that tax-funded reserve contributions be frozen at 2020 levels.
Also part of the committee of the whole agenda is a staff report that recommends council look at decommissioning unsafe playground equipment. The 2020 capital budget included $110,000 for a detailed review and replacement options for playground equipment. The plan proposed that $275,000 would be required annually over the next four years to update the equipment. That money is divided between Canadian Standards Association (CSA) improvements ($125,000) and Playground Accessibility updates ($150,000).
Parks listed for equipment upgrades include Bayview Park, East Little Lake Park-2, Gawley Park and Pete Pettersen Park. Parks listed for surface improvements include Bob Merkley Park, Pete Pettersen Park and West Little Lake Park.
A Severn Sound Environmental Association staff member will also be making a deputation to councillors at the beginning of the meeting. One of the topics Melissa Carruthers will be talking about is the latest changes to regulation around source-water and drinking-water protection.
Once committee of the whole rises out of its formal session, council will consider a motion brought forward by Coun. Beth Prost. She is asking that council rescind its approval of the heritage designation for 414 King St. The decision was made on April 1, based on a staff report brought forward following recommendations from the Midland Heritage Committee. Prost is looking to have the process reset to allow for submissions from the home's owner.
Due to a scheduling conflict with the Town of Penetanguishene, the meeting will be aired on Rogers TV the next day at 1 p.m.
