A chat about budgets with Whitewater Region’s mayor might have given the rest of Renfrew County a sneak peek at what their experience will look like this winter.
Neil Nicholson caught residents up on council matters in a recent social media update, including a recent draft mayor’s budget that he was required to prepare as part of the provincial government’s new strong mayor powers.
While the powers give him notable discretion on the direction of the township’s spending, Nicholson says he’s made sure not to exclude the will of council.
He says his draft mayor’s budget was created with the expectation that it would keep spending reasonable, with no more than a 2.8% rise in operating costs and a 4.2% increase in capital spending.
Nicholson also let residents know that they will be part of budget talks as the new year approaches, encouraging them to keep a close eye on the process expected to extend into the new year.
Ontario’s strong mayor powers require the head of a municipal council to propose an annual budget by February 1st, with council then given a short timeframe to make amendments to the document.
(written by Kasey Egan)
