Debate begins over BWG Operating Budget

By Miriam King Bradford Times November 2, 2012 

Preliminary discussion of the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury’s 2013 Operating budget was to be “as informal as possible,” with Councillors hearing proposals from the departments, and “parking” issues and concerns in a “parking lot,” for future detailed debate.

But Councillors quickly opened broader issues, as they considered an Operating Budget that proposes a $1.885 million (nearly 14%) increase in spending over 2012, to maintain services and provide enhancements, including Transit. That increase has been offset in part by growth in assessment, to net out at an estimated 6.7% hike in expenditures.

When combined with Police, Solid Waste, County, and Education levies, that translates into a 3.33% increase in the property tax, adding $130.82 to the bill of the average residence assessed at $333,920.

Stepped salary increases and benefits were shown as accounting for $477,360 of the increase, with another $173,700 for Cost of Living.

Councillor James Leduc asked the Town to consider an end to automatic incremental or stepped increases in salaries, an end to COLA – and an end to paying 100% of benefits. Instead, he suggested an 80/20 split, between employer and employee.

Councillor Carl Hordyk agreed, noting that the average stepped increase amounted to a $6,500 raise, “plus 2% COLA, plus, plus, plus… Personally, I don’t find that acceptable.”

Town Manager Jay Currier pointed out that some workers – Fire, Parks, Public Works – are part of a bargaining unit, governed by collective agreements, but the majority of staff are not. The Town is free to make changes in salary, he said. “The main caveat is that if there is a change in the terms of employment, you have to give the employee (sufficient) notice,” or face potential legal action.

“I’m not here to pick on anybody,” said Councillor James Leduc, suggesting the issue of benefits should be part of the next round of contract negotiations. “There’s no need to have 100% benefits. No-one pays 100%. There’s savings there – long-term.”

Mayor Doug White called for a “primer into how this works,” especially in light of pay equity requirements. “We need to workshop this. We need to practice restraint (but) there are legislative restraints. .. What can we do?”

Councillor Gary Lamb pointed out the 80/20 split “is not a done deal. It’s being proposed by one Councillor. It’s not decidable at this table in the next day and a half.”

The “Parking Lot” quickly filled with issues that included salaries and benefits, new hires, advertising and promotional budgets, training, and a $550,000 tanker truck for the Fire Department, replacing a 20 year old vehicle at the end of its lifespan.

As the budget process proceeds, Council will have to make decisions on some key issues , including Downtown Revitalization, transit, and the renovation of the Old Library.

Budget talks continued until 4 p.m., then reconvened on Thursday, for more detailed discussion of the items in the “parking lot.”