The mayor of Prince Edward County is hoping they can build on the municipality’s forward momentum in 2020.
He says they will continue to pay attention to housing, food security and those most vulnerable in the community.
He says he hopes to see the agricultural sector thrive in Prince Edward County as well as another strong tourist season.
Ferguson says he wants to see the municipality continue to grow their work with neighbouring municipalities through the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus and the Eastern Ontario Mayors Caucus to bring regional concerns and interests forward.
On the flip side of things, Ferguson hopes the spring of 2020 will be better than last year but knows high water levels will be a challenge facing the municipality.
They also will need to look at things like more sand for sandbagging and if roads will need to be raised.
Ferguson says they are going to budget for additional costs due to flooding.
Another challenge facing Prince Edward County is the budget.
Ferguson says last year’s budget was ambitious and this year’s is likely to be the same.
Budget for the county will take place the first week in February to allow staff to find 10 per cent savings in operating expenditures.
Ferguson says the provincial funding cuts have prompted the cuts at a municipal level and they need to make sure they are spending appropriately.
He says they need to look at the things they must do, the things they should do and the nice to-dos.
Ferguson says they have hard choices to make and that is part of their job.
