It’s been an interesting month at Council.
We started off the month being told that the salt dome at the works yard was condemned, and to expect a $300,000 hit to the winter control budget this winter.
Next, we were asked to approve long delayed renovations to the St Jacobs arena floor and rink boards.
Then, on Tuesday, we learned that an error in calculating the tax rates has left the Township with a revenue shortfall of approximately $170,000.
It would be easy to stop at frustration. I will be honest: I was frustrated and let my emotions come out.
But Council’s job is not just to get angry. Our job is to ask hard questions, push for better options, and find workable solutions.
Leadership means providing solutions and speaking up with options. I pushed back on the staff recommendation. While we didn’t get as far as I had hoped, we have a solution for this winter, and time to plan a long term fix- for less money and better service than the original proposal.
On the St. Jacobs arena, anyone who has used that facility knows the condition of the floor and boards. These repairs have been put off for as long as possible. Approving the work now gives the Township proper lead time to do the job right next summer. The next step must be pursuing grants, sponsorships, and other funding opportunities to help reduce the burden on taxpayers.
Finally, on Tuesday we learnt of the error in calculating tax rates. I guess doing a 20 million dollar budget on 7 Excel spreadsheets linked together and summarized on a piece of paper leads to mistakes. It reinforces why Council chose to invest in new accounting and budgeting software this year. When running, it will provide the financial information we need to make responsible decisions.
Rolling up our sleeves and finding solutions was part of our job. Just as importantly, I requested a report back on how this happened, what checks failed, and what steps are being taken to prevent it from happening again. Accountability, not surprises.
I joined Council 4 years ago because I wanted to be part of the solution.
If elected Mayor, I will continue to focus on answers, accountability and practical results.