Council defers Erin Village BIA request for additional funds in 2013

During draft budget discussions on Dec. 4, Shelley Foord, chair of the Erin BIA, spoke to council about the possibility of an increased grant to that group for the coming year.

Foord expressed gratitude for the support the municipality has given to the BIA in the past, for its role in contributing to Erin’s economic prosperity.

While Foord said the BIA does have some reserves, there are a number of projects it would like to tackle this year that would require more funds than the reserves would cover.

Some of those projects include replacing entry signs into the village [the older signs would be refurbished and used elsewhere in the municipality], installing a bench and replacing village Christmas wreaths.

Aside from the sign project, Foord said, “The ability to proceed on the other projects will be based on necessity and council’s generosity.”

She said the BIA was asking for an additional $4,000 in 2013.

Mayor Lou Maieron asked if the $4,000 increase was a one-time request, or an on-going expense.

Foord did not know.

“I guess it depends on how much we can accomplish with what we get,” she said

Maieron noted council’s traditional contribution is $4,500 and this request almost doubles that.

He said there is a big difference between this being a one-time request as compared to something which might be ongoing.

Maieron said he did not want to place the BIA in jeopardy, he just needed clarification whether the $4,000 was a one-time request.

He agreed “it is not a lot of money, but it is taxpayers’ money.”

The request was deferred to future town budget discussions.