Quinte West council has yet to make a final decision on its 2019 operating budget but one decision was made as it debated the document tonight (Monday).
Council voted to support a staff proposal to add $500,000 of new money starting this year which would be earmarked specifically for roadwork and other capital projects.
Another $500,000 in new money would be added to the budget each year after that, also pegged for capital work.
That amount would have to be approved on a yearly basis during council’s budget discussions.
The half a million dollars in new money adds to the residential tax increase by 1% this year so at council’s next regular meeting, which is this coming Monday, a tax increase of just under 3% will be debated and could be approved.
If it is approved, the average owner of a house in Quinte West valued at $255,000 would pay another $7.63 a month in municipal taxes.
Leslie Roseblade (Photo: Quinte News)
Most on council supported the budget as is but councillors O’Neil and Roseblade had concerns about the $200,000 a year promised for a proposed Natural History Museum.
Both supported the idea of a museum but felt the donation and request were to expensive.
David O’Neil (Photo: Quinte News)
In total, Quinte West is pledging $4 million (half cash/half in kind) over 10 years to the project which is still in the very preliminary stages of development.
Councillor Freeman said if fundraising didn’t work out most, if not all, the municipal money donated would be returned.
Sally Freeman (Photo: Quinte News)
Councillor O’Neil also questioned the $10 million price tag for a new Quinte Humane Society believing the project was too extravagant.
If the budget passes as is it would include an over $60,000 donation to the Humane Society in each of four years.
Councillor O’Neil added council would be approving too many donations to various community organizations and said council should focus more on core municipal responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the Trent Port Marina, now in its 4th year of operation, lost $200,000 last year but was busier than the year before and the proposed budget is projecting only a $140,000 loss in 2019 as it’s expected business will be stronger yet again.
Council is expected to officially pass this year’s budget at its Monday meeting.
