They are praying for good weather this fall.
Centre Wellington councillors heard on Sept. 12 their spending in various departments is on track as of the end of June.
Financial manager Mark Bradley presented a report for all operating expenses half way through the year at the committee of the whole meeting.
He stated in his report “Generally, operating departments were either under budget or did not exceed their budget by more than five per cent once adjusted for seasonal and timing impacts.”
But in one area where the township has almost no control on spending, there could be a problem. Public Works, in general, on target, but, Bradley pointed out “Snow related cost centres are 74% of the annual budget ($1,150,000) at June 30.” He noted that last year, those expenditures had been at 50%.
The problem is, as Bradley stated, “We really don’t know what November and December will hold. A couple of significant [storms] and that budget is blown.”
He did note the township has $100,000 in emergency reserves if that should happen.
Public works director Ken Elder had some other disquieting News, too.
He said the “unknown” element is the effect that the recent tornado in Goderich will have on roads departments across the province. Goderich is where most of the salt for Ontario roads originates.
Elder said, “I’m not expecting Sifto to ship from Goderich,” and he added the township has enough salt until Jan. 1.
“Expect a huge cost per ton increase,” Elder warned council.
And, he added, “We’re looking for a mild winter.”
