The symbiotic relationship between the Town of Arnprior and the Municipal Airport came under extensive review at Council’s Special Meeting on the 2024 Budget Monday (February 5th).
The Airport annually applies for a subsidy from the Town, but has continued to neglect to include all the required financial information necessary to meet the ask, specifically, it is two years behind in supplying the municipality with its audited financial statements.
This prompted lengthy discussion on how to deal with the matter.
That’s Treasurer Jennifer Morawiec, who spoke in favour of providing a “conditional” grant towards the 60k Airport ask.
Following a lengthy discussion on the single topic, elected representatives settled on a formula that would advance 25 percent of the grant request by March 31st, (upon receipt of the Airport’s 2022 audit)- and a further 75 percent upon REVIEW of both the 2022 and 2023 audited financial statements.
Chris Toner, who opposed the allocation, commented on the perceived waste of elected members and staff time.
The violation of municipal policy should not establish precedent without penalty.
By Rick Stow
