Treasurer Whitmarsh provided an overall summary of the 2021 budget highlights including changes to the budget from the first draft and budget shortfalls.
Road and Public Works 2021 Budget Presentation:
A/Director of Roads and Public Works Smith presented the draft Roads and Public Works Department's proposed budget for 2021 including operational and capital budgets and reasons for any changes over the 2020 budget. The A/Director also reviewed capital and operations for waste management and water and sewer.
Members posed questions throughout the presentation and asked for follow-up staff reports on capital items such as King St, the Hugh Graham Bridge and the Camelon Road Culvert.
Committee of the Whole recessed at 10:38 am and resumed at 10:53 a.m.
Daycare 2021 Budget Presentation:
Councillor Dalgity left the room at 10:54 a.m. and did not participate in the discussions related to the Daycare Operational budget, Mayor Lowry took over as Chair for that portion of the meeting. Councillor Dalgity returned at 11:00 am and resumed as the Chair.
Daycare Manager Legault presented the draft 2021 daycare operational and capital budget highlights including an update on impacts of COVID-19 on numbers of children enrolled and revenue and increases to capital projects.
Members posed questions throughout the presentation including renovations at the daycare centre, provincial grants related to COVID-19 and access to health and safety grants through the County of Lanark.
Committee of the Whole recessed at 11:08 a.m. and resumed at 11:15 a.m.
Fire Department 2021 Budget Presentation:
Fire Chief Brown presented the Fire Department's operational and capital budgets for 2021. Highlights include increases in salary resulting from a rise in the number of incidents and increased training requirements, as well as other operational increases over the 2020 budget. The Chief also reviewed the capital budgets explaining each capital budget request.
Members posed questions throughout the presentation and requested that further details be provided on all capital items for the next budget meeting.