Budget Information
Submissions Presented at Pre-Budget Consultation for 2010 Fiscal Year
A number of submissions were presented at the Pre-Budget Consultation meeting. They have been divided into the following categories.
Initiatives:
• Concrete and new equipment for the skate park
• Permanent position for a Special Events Coordinator
• Recycling Program and the money raised through that initiative be utilized for specific items such as playgrounds or special events
• Walking trails
• Programs for Seniors
• Enclosed walking/running facility
• Maintenance of natural sites within and surrounding the Town
• Composting program
• Playgrounds and equipment upgraded
• Town beautification through more green spaces
• North Side Redevelopment Plan needs to be implemented in a phased approach
• Continue the next phases of the RecPlex
• Assist in finding a suitable location for an off-leash dog park
Budget Process:
• Reduction in the mil rate to compensate for the increase in municipal assessments
• Ensure there is enough funds available for the deficit in the defined benefit plan for town staff
• Keep in mind that tax payers already pay their fair share
• Set up a revenue account that would grow over a number of years and that would only be used for major projects thus lessening the costs of borrowing funds
• Reduce the mil rate but not entirely to last year's level so that the increased amount of tax monies received by the Town could be placed in the revenue account to be used for major projects such as the Sewer Treatment Plant
• Alleviation of property tax for housing developments provided by not-for-profit groups such as the Mokami Status of Women or Lake Melville Housing in order that the revenue saved can be put back in programs and services
• Rigorous review of all budgetary items, in particular discretionary spending
• Through this type of forum or on the website advise public of the results of Council's budget deliberations prior to approval so that the public may have the opportunity for further suggestion
• Look for savings in the system not what is there to be spent and use those monies for the "wish list"
• Provide the public through the town website with last year's budget information
• A budgetary strategic plan for a five to ten year period should be done and set priorities
• An audit as to what has been spent over the past 5 -10 years should be completed
• Exempt the property tax on cabins for those residents of the town who have a permanent residence within the municipality
Other:
• Town retain ownership of the Arts Centre
• Arts Centre should be same as others in the Province and not the financial responsibility of the Town to operate and maintain
• Increased partnership through policy and financial contributions with organizations such as CLEAN
• Partner with organizations such as the Rotary Club on community initiatives
• Continue to support the local library with financial contribution
Initiatives:
• Concrete and new equipment for the skate park
• Permanent position for a Special Events Coordinator
• Recycling Program and the money raised through that initiative be utilized for specific items such as playgrounds or special events
• Walking trails
• Programs for Seniors
• Enclosed walking/running facility
• Maintenance of natural sites within and surrounding the Town
• Composting program
• Playgrounds and equipment upgraded
• Town beautification through more green spaces
• North Side Redevelopment Plan needs to be implemented in a phased approach
• Continue the next phases of the RecPlex
• Assist in finding a suitable location for an off-leash dog park
Budget Process:
• Reduction in the mil rate to compensate for the increase in municipal assessments
• Ensure there is enough funds available for the deficit in the defined benefit plan for town staff
• Keep in mind that tax payers already pay their fair share
• Set up a revenue account that would grow over a number of years and that would only be used for major projects thus lessening the costs of borrowing funds
• Reduce the mil rate but not entirely to last year's level so that the increased amount of tax monies received by the Town could be placed in the revenue account to be used for major projects such as the Sewer Treatment Plant
• Alleviation of property tax for housing developments provided by not-for-profit groups such as the Mokami Status of Women or Lake Melville Housing in order that the revenue saved can be put back in programs and services
• Rigorous review of all budgetary items, in particular discretionary spending
• Through this type of forum or on the website advise public of the results of Council's budget deliberations prior to approval so that the public may have the opportunity for further suggestion
• Look for savings in the system not what is there to be spent and use those monies for the "wish list"
• Provide the public through the town website with last year's budget information
• A budgetary strategic plan for a five to ten year period should be done and set priorities
• An audit as to what has been spent over the past 5 -10 years should be completed
• Exempt the property tax on cabins for those residents of the town who have a permanent residence within the municipality
Other:
• Town retain ownership of the Arts Centre
• Arts Centre should be same as others in the Province and not the financial responsibility of the Town to operate and maintain
• Increased partnership through policy and financial contributions with organizations such as CLEAN
• Partner with organizations such as the Rotary Club on community initiatives
• Continue to support the local library with financial contribution