Newmarket council wrap-up: Budget cycle revised, Bob Kwapis takes oath of office

YorkRegion.com
Oct. 25, 2016
Chris Simon

Here’s a brief look at a two notable items from Newmarket council’s Oct. 24 meeting:

Bob Kwapis represents Ward 5

Ward 5 has its new councillor.

Bob Kwapis, who defeated seven other candidates in last week’s byelection, took his oath of office last week. Kwapis officially replaces Joe Sponga, who resigned as ward councillor in June.

“We live in one of the best places in Canada; I couldn’t be more proud of this amazing town and I look forward to working with the businesses and residents of Ward 5,” Kwapis said. “I will work with the current council and town staff to get things done — not just talk about or complain. I want to thank the residents of Ward 5 for trusting me as their voice to the council chambers.”

During the campaign, Kwapis promised to focus on bringing improved cellphone reception to Main Street and free WiFi to all parks within the ward, if elected. A splash pad and playground equipment for the Quaker Hill community, curbing speeding on neighbourhood roads and advocacy for a Main Street clock tower project that better respects downtown heritage and addresses parking concerns, will also be an area of focus.

Budget cycle delayed

Newmarket’s 2017 operating and capital budgets won’t be approved until February.

Council approved a revised schedule for the budget during a meeting Oct. 24. Months ago, the town aimed for a Dec. 12 budget approval, but that target date has been pushed to Feb. 13.

Many municipalities, including Newmarket, try to pass their budgets before January, to help with the tendering process for capital projects. It’s a method that can lead to some cost savings for the municipality.

But in a resolution passed in the spring, council requested staff keep this year’s tax increase to a maximum of 2.8 per cent. So far, staff are having a tough time meeting that goal, said town treasurer Mike Mayes in a report to councillors.

“Balancing the cost drivers and council's priorities for the budget with the tax levy increase target is taking more time than was originally anticipated,” he said. “To ensure that we arrive at an appropriate balance of cost cutting, possible service level adjustments and an acceptable amount of risk, (we) will require more research and analysis.”

Under the new plan, the draft budget will be presented at a special committee of the whole meeting Dec. 5 at 10 a.m.

For more information, visit newmarket.ca.