In preparation for its 2015 budget, Centre Wellington is approving preliminary grant budgets of $52,000 subject to final budget approval.
Prior to the Oct. 20 discussion, councillor Mary Lloyd declared a pecuniary interest due to her involvement with the Fergus Scottish Festival while councillor Kirk McElwain declared a similar pecuniary interest due to his involvement with Sensational Elora.
The report from Mark Bradey, financial manager/deputy treasurer recommended council approve the preliminary 2015 grant budget allocation along with category allocation, subject to final budget approval, as follows:
– performing/visual arts, $20,000;
– special events, $5,000;
– social/environmental organizations, $6,000;
– specific annual grants, $20,100; and
– emergency and disaster relief funding, $900.
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj called the policy a preliminary first step to get things moving.
She noted this approach has not varied from previous years.
There were no changes to the grant application policy recommended during the 2014 budget deliberations.
While grants issued through the 2014 budget process totaled $45,445, the proposal recommended keeping the grants available unchanged from 2014.
Upon completion of the 2015 budget, staff are planning to undertake a full review and potential reworking of the township’s grant policy and possible changes to be recommended to council next September.
