Councillors here will be mulling over Centre Wellington’s operating budget on Feb. 17, 18 and 20 (if necessary). All meetings would start at 9am in the council chamber at the municipal office, 1 MacDonald Square, Elora.
Council will receive submissions from registered delegates at the Feb. 17 meeting.
Those wishing to make a submission are requested to register with Kerri O’Kane, manager of legislative services /municipal clerk at 519-846-9691 x243 no later than noon on Feb. 13.
A copy of the draft 2015 budget is now available on the township’s website.
Paper copies will be available by request, by contacting Mark Bradey, financial manager/deputy treasurer at 519-846-9691 ext. 223 or mbradey@centrewellington.ca.
A recent News release issued by the township stated the approved capital budget was $8,010,200.
However, during original discussions the number used in gross expenditures was roughly $9.1 million as reported previously in the Wellington Advertiser.
The capital budget typically involves significant expenditure in the acquisition, construction or improvements in land, buildings, engineering structures, or machinery and equipment used to provide municipal services with a lasting benefit beyond one year. It also includes one-time project costs in excess of $5,000.
Bradey commented by email that the difference of $1,111,440 is comprised of the vehicle and equipment replacement items (items #78 to #90) in the draft capital budget document. Council only approved items 1 to 77.
“The replacement reserve items get approved as part of the budget deliberations that commence on the Feb. 17 since their funding is contingent upon contributions from the operating budget.”
As to the budget itself, Mayor Kelly Linton stated “The capital budget represents a significant portion of the total dollars spent by the township in any given year. I would like to commend township staff for the time and energy they have invested into the preparation of the 2015 draft capital budget. I believe they have been thoughtful and responsible in prioritizing the many needs of our municipality while being fiscally responsible.”
A copy of the 2015 Capital Budget is available for public review on the Township of Centre Wellington Website (www.centrewellington.ca).
