Little opposition to Clearview budget
Only one person commented on Clearview Township’s proposed budget at a public meeting Monday, Dec. 7.
Treasurer Edward Henley presented a $44-million budget reflecting a 4.33 per cent increase. Once other taxes are factored including those collected for education and the county, the increase in expected to be about two per cent.
Creemore resident Bill Mann said he was disappointed that residents’ ability to pay was not given more consideration when putting together the budget.
“I think it could be tighter still. 2016 is going to be a bloody tough year,” said Mann, adding that people could be struggling to pay their bills whether they are coming from the township or elsewhere.
He said this would be the year to hold the line especially from the mayor and deputy mayor’s point of view, who ran in the last election on a platform of fiscal responsibility.
Mann said many retired people have seen an eight to 10 per cent decrease in their investments.
“I think the increase could be down to zero per cent. It would be a demonstration that you listened,” said Mann.
In his presentation, Henley said four budget items account for two per cent of the 4.33 per cent increase: $50,000 for Small Halls Festival, a $55,750 increase in economic development funding, starting an inter community bus line for half a year at a cost of $60,125 and $84,000 for a planning review.
The township will see $89,120 in new tax revenue from growth, 44 per cent from the industrial sector and 33 per cent from residential.
Councillor Thom Paterson reiterated comments made at an earlier budget meeting, saying council should be doing more to reduce spending and that council should be out front of the budget process instead of coming in at the end.
“We do need more input from the community going forward,” said Mayor Chris Vanderkruys.
How the money is spent:
Total 2016 expenses: $24,061,067
Salaries, wages and benefits:
29 per cent
Administration: 18 per cent
Contracted services including police: 17 per cent
Facility utilities: 4 per cent
Facility maintenance: 2 per cent
Insurance: 2 per cent
Vehicles and equipment: 5 per cent
Transfer to reserves: 17 per cent
Transfer to capital: 6 per cent
