COUNCIL CONNECTION: 2022 draft budget presented to Georgina council

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 2, 2021

Staff have presented Georgina council with the 2022 draft budget, which proposes a zero per cent operating increase, plus an option to provide a one per cent contribution to our capital reserves.

The ability to bring in a zero per cent operating increase is due to receiving both federal and provincial COVID-19 funding, an above average surplus forecasted for 2021, and a reduction in recreation programs in 2021, due to staff being deployed to the mass vaccination clinic at the Ice Palace.

The proposed one per cent for capital reserves helps to bridge the funding gap that we, like many other municipalities, have. Adding that additional amount to the budget this year results in over $11 million added to our reserves over 25 years.

Strong reserves are needed to ensure funds are available in future years for repair, replacement and maintenance of our roads and facilities, avoiding large tax increases in the future.

The draft budget includes $2.3 million in roads for resurfacing, maintenance and rehabilitation; $1.9 million for water and wastewater infrastructure; $1.1 million for the Emerald Ash Borer tree removal program; $850,000 for a rescue pumper truck; $756,000 for facility repairs and $600,000 for culverts and ditches.

The full draft budget is available at georgina.ca/municipal-government/budget.

Council will be deliberating the budget on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Comments can be provided directly to members of council or to budget@georgina.ca.

A positive step forward for local jobs and our tax base occurred when the Keswick Business Park recently advanced through the steps for draft plan approval.

A further report will be back to council soon addressing some issues identified.

The Business Park, owned by Panattoni Development, has plans for construction of its first building, sized at 370,000 square feet and valued at approximately $30 million, with 200-500 local jobs.

Learn more about the business park at georgina.ca/BusinessPark.