The Township of Whitewater meeting moved into the Meeting of the Whole with the fire chief in order to receive the Draft Budget for 2022.
Councillor Jackson chaired the Draft Budget.
Treasurer Sean Crozier presented the Annual Budget plan for 2022.
He asked if there were any questions before they began, and there were not.
“This is the first real draft that is presented to you.” he said.
There is a special meeting on November 24th to follow up on the budget.
Among the budget, Crozier said they’d proposed a 3.5% levy increase, and 1.5% cost of living adjustment.
“One percent equals just over 60,040 dollars.” he said. “This draft calls for a tax levy increase of 3.5 percent. The drivers of a property tax bill, the biggest driver is the input of a tax levy. “
Also, fees for renting half a slab at the Arena storage.
Councillor Nicholson asked about recreational trailer licenses fee increase. “Is it reasonable for us to recharge that fee? I want to make sure we’re charging right.”
Clerk Carmen Miller said that “The original bylaw said it was going to increase bit by bit until it reached S300. Multiple inspections need to be done, so it’s important that the same steps apply to the application. It’s the exact same step one year ago to renew.”
CAO Robert Trembley said “anyone who parks their trailer seasonally at a location will cost them 2000-3000 dollars.” he said. “Checking it annually is important. We still have some people who aren’t compliant.”
Councillor Charlene Jackson asked if the hourly half-slab rate was without ice, which Parks and Recreation head Jordan Durocher confirmed was without ice.
Councillor Jackson: “It’s going from 44 to 15 and 26”
Councillor McLaughlin asked why mattresses where done by volume, while all other measurements for the landfill were based on weight. “I don’t get why we don’t just do weight.”
Public Works head Lane Cleroux said that “it’s the weight, mattresses and couches are lighter, and also, we’re looking to take them out of the landfill. They can be recyclable. The amount of airspace it takes, and it’s very difficult to break down.”
McLaughlin said “I’m sure styrofoam is the same thing, it’s very light, but takes up a lot of airspace.”
They left the fee at $20 with a show of hands in favour, with only Councillor Mackay dissenting.
