Find cuts, Midland staff told

By DOUGLAS GLYNN Midland Free Press November 21, 2012

Council has concluded the first round of 2013 budget discussions by calling on staff to find further spending cuts.

The additional cuts are being sought to find funding for economic development, tourism and a $70,000 study of the Unimin lands. The three items, whose total cost could be upwards of $200,000, had earlier been removed to be dealt with separately.

Budget chair Coun. Bob Jeffery objected, saying their inclusion had not been discussed. However, Mayor Gordon McKay called for a vote that carried 5-3 in favour of adding them.

Asked in an interview how much of an economic development and tourism budget he is hoping for, McKay said “$150,000 has been notionally kicked around.

“The operative word,” he emphasized “is notional. You leave it up to staff to say, ‘OK, we’re going to get serious about whatever it is.’

“This is not new,” he added. “This direction was given three weeks ago.”

Asked about the possibility Simcoe County council might approve a proposal to provide Midland, Penetanguishene, Tay and Tiny with economic development funding, McKay said he expects that decision to be made shortly.

“It will be given with a few caveats,” he said. “It will have to be used for specific economic development purposes. It’s just not going to be free money.”

He was asked whether the pressure to find the money within the town budget would be eased if the county funds are forthcoming.

“I think one could assume that would be the case,” he replied.

Three items dominated the budget discussions last week: a proposed increase of 6.5% in the police budget, replacement of the fire department’s 1990 aerial platform vehicle and funding for trails. (See separate stories, Page 7.)

McKay said Round 1 of the budget asked for a zero spending increase and “it seems we are well on the way to achieving that. We are looking for the police to come back. We have to be more specific in Round 2.”

In the wrap-up to last week’s meeting, Coun. Jim Attwood urged that some funds be available for leaf collection.

“We can’t say no to the people.”

Deputy Mayor Stephan Kramp said KPMG’s management study had identified some opportunities to reduce water rates.

He said he supports parking fee increases and suggested there might be a middle ground on increasing planning fees.

He said the community is struggling more than ever.

“There were more than 160 people in the lineup at the soup kitchen last Tuesday and construction is at a standstill.”

Coun. Pendlebury said she is concerned that council is limiting itself to certain numbers. She said the $30,000 cut to spending on trails was “too much.”

Round two of the budget discussions was held Tuesday night, too late for The Free Press deadlines.