Pickering Budget at a glance
Considering the economic downturn, Council directed Pickering’s CAO to bring Council a budget as low as possible while still maintaining priority projects and existing service levels.
The CAO introduced a budget increase of 2.9% to Council with a 1% surcharge to cover the legal battle with York Region over the Odour Control Facility proposed for Pickering with the twinning of the York-Durham Sewer project for a total increase of 3.9%.
Kudos to our CAO in his year of retirement for bringing Council a budget that was passed again without having to make any significant amendments to the Treasurer’s recommendations. It was unanimously supported. Pickering remains the lowest taxed lakeshore municipality in Durham Region.
Excerpts from the Pickering News Advertiser, “Pickering raises taxes by 3.9 percent” by Kristen Calis
“• Major capital projects include: work on Pickering Parkway for $890,000; significant work on Glenanna Road from Pickering Parkway to Dixie Road ($900,000): a new pumper worth $750,000; and a roof replacement at the Central Library for $350,000.
• The City hopes to receive upper-government funding to build the Frenchman's Bay harbour entrance, which will cost around $8 million.
• Three grants of $1,000 each were given to Pickering Olympic silver medalist Shelley-Ann Brown, The Arms of Jesus Children's Mission Inc., and MOTION's Youth and Community Centre.
• Four councillors reduced their office budgets. Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley reduced her budget by $11,600, Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean brought his down by $11,000, Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell found $3,900 to take out, and Councillor Pickles cut $7,550 out of his.
• No new full-time or part-time staff will be hired in 2010.”
From operating a small business, a non-profit, and a busy household, Councillor Littley has had a great deal of experience on keeping budgets low. She has consistently reduced her Council budget and takes her expenditures very seriously. Over the term, she finishes with one of the lowest expense accounts - second only to City Councillor David Pickles.
For a full look at the budget, amendments made and meeting minutes of March 4, 2010 and March 29, 2010 visit: www.cityofpickering.com/standard/ cityhall/index.html
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