Wiarton's Big Dig made use of some previous OCIF funding. Photo courtesy of the Town of South Bruce Peninsula
South Bruce Peninsula council is aiming for a less than 3 per cent tax levy increase for the Town’s proposed 2023 draft budget.
Council wrapped up its draft budget deliberation meetings January 5th, two meetings ahead of schedule. It had allocated meeting time for the 9th and 10th if necessary, but found it wasn’t.
Council looked at staff summary reports which proposed a total tax supported operating budget of about $11.2 million.
The proposed draft capital budget was presented as about $6.3 million.
Some infrastructure projects in the proposed capital budget include phase two of infrastructure work on Elm Street in Wiarton from Berford street to the town limit. It also includes $657,000 for work on Silver Lake Road, as well as other amounts for work on Millard’s Bridge at Allenford Road, design work on Jewel Bridge and Park Head Bridge. It also includes some work on Second Avenue North in Sauble, Sideroad 15 and Camp Road.
As for parks, the proposed budget includes the resurfacing of the Lakeshore tennis courts in Sauble Beach, accessibility upgrades at the pool in Wiarton and other park maintenance around the municipality as well as an accessibility lift and redesign of seating at the Wiarton arena.
Council passed a number of resolutions at its budget deliberation meetings. They include directing staff to look into the possibility of a four-way stop at Alice Street and Allenford Road in Allenford be reviewed by public works.
The town will also ask the county to install additional lighting at the corner of Bruce Road 14 and Silver Lake Road.
Staff are being directed to illuminate the Sauble, Wiarton and Allenford Signs and to add $12,000 into the budget for that.
Staff are directed to report to council with regard to the cost for additional snow removal on Berford Street in Wiarton, on pathways in Bluewater Park and the boat launch parking lot there.
The municipal portion of budgeted 2023 Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) which is $172,500 be applied to asset management plan needs and $104,500 be added to the draft 2023 operating budget for asset management plan needs.
Staff are to bring a report to council on the status of sidewalks in the municipality as well as a report on the use of winterized portable washrooms and the associated sewage vehicle.
Other plans include looking into a possible Christmas lights in Bluewater Park festival if there’s community interest and support for it.
Clerk Angie Cathrae told council the next step in the process is that the treasurer will bring a report to the next council meeting that will include the draft budget as a bylaw where it will be further discussed by council. Staff told council there is still time to adjust the proposed budget and consider public comment if it is received.