County Budget still under debate

Brant County Council sat down last Thursday for its second 2010 budget planning session. At present, the county is proposing an operating budget of just over $35 million for the year, which represents an increase of 5 per cent to county tax payers.


Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Don Glassford explained that when things like anticipated increases in revenues and average home values – up $13,000 from $227,000 in 2009 to $240,000 in 2010 - are taken into account, the tax increase actually levels off at 3 per cent.

This is in line with the 2009 budget in which tax payers saw a final increase of 3.55 per cent.
While most departmental budget increases are in the 3 per cent range, there are a few exceptions to note:

• Corporate Services is proposing a 5 per cent increase, or $3.87 million, up from $3.69 in 2009.

Corporate Services Director Fran Bell explained the increase by pointing out the cost of the upcoming election, which she cited at $58,000. In response to council’s suggestion for the department to amortize the cost of the election over four years, Bell noted that in previous years, council voted against this option.

• CAO is proposing a 57 per cent increase, or $165,836, up from $105,902 in 2009. Last year, they overspent by $78,655.

Glassford attributes the 2009 overage to severance paid out to a past employee. Though initially he described this year’s budget rise as “embarrassing,” he went on to note that an increase in work made it necessary.

“We’re in the business of helping people,” Glassford said. “Good customer service carries a price tag with it.”

The 57 per cent increase prompted Councillor Roy Haggart, and others on council, to request a detailed breakdown of the numbers.

Cuncillor Haggart also inquired as to whether additional administrative support to the CAO might help lighten the increased workload Glassford spoke of.

“There is a definite possibility that the office of the CAO should be expanded,” Glassford said.

He added that any personnel changes would most likely take place in the upcoming year once he leaves his position and a new CAO is appointed.

According to County Clerk Jayne Carman, the 2010 budget is due to be finalized sometime in February, with the last budget meeting scheduled to take place on February 18.