The Town of Minto will contribute to the resurfacing of the Howick-Minto boundary road, but council here has reserved the option of paying its share in either 2013 or 2014.
In a letter presented to council at the June 18 meeting, Howick Township public works coordinator Wray Wilson noted both municipalities agreed to include resurfacing of the boundary road between Harriston Road and Salem Road in their 2013 budgets.
Minto public works director Brian Hansen explained the 2013 Minto draft budget had included resurfacing a section of the road. However, council pulled the project from the budget due to concerns the town could not afford to do it in the same year as planned improvements on Elora Street.
Hansen noted the townline project is tentatively budgeted for 2014 at a cost of $400,000, which would complete the entire 4km boundary road from Wellington Road 87 to the edge of Clifford.
The letter from Wilson indicates Howick is prepared to go ahead with the work this summer and fund the entire project, on the understanding that Minto would repay its 50 per cent share early in 2014, plus interest at 1.75%.
Hansen pointed out that due to current low prices for asphalt, Howick is estimating the cost of the project at $260,000, making Minto’s share $130,000.
CAO Bill White noted some funding should be available due to approximately $200,000 in savings the municipality realized on a previous paving project on Ayton Road.
Councillor Ron Elliott suggested those savings could be used to pay Minto’s share of the boundary road project in 2013.
“We’d be fine. We’ve got it within our budget then. We could spend it without going over,” said Elliott.
Deputy mayor Terry Fisk expressed concern the savings might be needed to cover possible cost overruns on the Elora Street project.
“I think we’re going to probably need more money than we budgeted for this job in Harriston. So I think we have to keep that in mind as well and personally I think that’s a priority if we’re going to spend this excess money.”
Mayor George Bridge suggested council wait until the tendering process on the Elora Street project is completed before deciding whether to pay for the boundary road project out of the 2013 or 2014 budget.
“This would be the year to do it if we’re going to do the Howick-Minto Townline,” said White. However, while noting the town should let Howick officials know of Minto’s intention to participate, he agreed council should leave its options open on when to pay.
