Budget discussions in Prince Edward County continued today (Wednesday) without any major decisions made.
Councillors and staff gathered at Highline Hall in Wellington for their third day of budget meetings.
The operating budget as well as the rate supported capital and operating budgets were presented by staff during the meeting.
The recreational budget saw the biggest hit in 2020 due to COVID-19 leading to a 20.7% increase needed for 2021 as revenues took a significant hit, but the municipality also saw significant savings as well because of the shutdown of many arenas, marinas and community halls.
Water and waste water operating and capital budgets, which are rate supported items, saw councillors make no major decisions as to what projects will be kept or moved to future years.
Director of Finance Amanda Carter also noted the debt load of Prince Edward County, noting they have been putting money aside to pay for their debt but it will catch up with them eventually. Excluding water and waste water debt, the County is expected to pay $1.5 million towards debt in 2021. Water and waste water debt repayments in 2021 are estimated to be $2.3 million.
Council recessed mid-afternoon and will resume budget deliberations on Thursday at 9 a.m. where councillors are expected to discuss the levy and which items will remain in this year’s budget and which items will be moved to future years.
