Recreation and Cultural services includes libraries, arenas, and tourism.
Crozier said the parks expenses were decreasing by $5,400.
He said arenas operating expenses increased by $121,740 due to increase in repair and maintenance increases and utilities costs.
“The amount of hours we would have to sell ice in the calendar year would be used to come up with our expenses.”
Tourism had an increase of $550, and Economic Development had a decrease of $52,310 to 53,400, halving its expenses.
The seniors program expenses increased by $29,800.
He said libraries, which he said was not the libraries own budget, had $95,000 in 2023 with a $90,000 operating grant.
He said the museum proposed expenses were unchanged from last year, with expenses fo e $10,000, and grants of $7650.
Mayor Nicholson asked if the budget was based on all three arenas were operating.
“The assumption is that the two arenas that are functioning are budgeted from January to December, with the Beachburg Arena being budgeted from September to December.” Crozier said.
“And that allows for the Beachburg arena to be repaired?” Mayor Nicholson said.
“Yes, and that assumes time for the ice plant walls to be repaired.” CAO Burton said.
Councillor Mark Bell asked why the Westmeath budget was increase by $113,000, and asked why.
Crozier said it was budgeted to be opened for 24 weeks, while in 2022 it was budgeted for nine.
Councillor Olmstead asked how many total arena ice hours were available, which Mayor Nichsolson said would be discussed at the strategic meeting.
Councillor Moore asked if they got ‘the opposition of bill paying got fixed up’. With the library fees.
“The 95,000 still has some in for us to do something if we need to.” Crozier said.
He said the Township would pay the insurance and phone/internet bill, and the hydro bill, and split that between library and museum, and subtract it from the operating grant.”
“As long as both groups understand that, it should alleviate most of the problems.” Councillor Moore said.
