The 2021 budget is one step closer to being finalized.
Public consultation sessions were held this week, with North Grenville staff outlining the operating and capital budget for this year and highlighting where funds will go for this year.
The operating budget for 2021 is set at $22,724,606, while the capital budget sits at $9,995,527.
Director of Finance Brad Brookman says some of that capital spending will go toward carry-over projects from last year.
“The Wellington Road project was delayed because it came in well over budget, so we wanted to plan that properly. It came out at around $1.5 million which is way more than what we were expecting but we need to get it done. So, we’re carrying it over to 2021 to see that it’s done.”
In total, over $4.6 million will go towards roads in the municipality, while over $2.8 million will be spent on carry-over projects.
From the operating budget, the OPP will be receiving over $2.4 million, $538,616 will go to the North Grenville Public Library, and $26,000 will go to the Old Town Kemptville BIA.
“The library’s overall ask is just 2.29 per cent,” Brookman said. “I looked historically at what the library has asked for, and this is the lowest increase they’ve asked for in five years. So, usually it is a little higher but recognizing where the community is at, they’ve cut back on their budget as well.”
The meeting also highlighted some of the municipality’s accomplishments in 2020, from the addition of the COVID-19 Assessment Centre at the Kemptville Campus, to continued service improvement within town hall.
Looking ahead to this year, Brookman says one of the most significant projects we’ll see this year is the expansion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“We’ll go out there and do an RFP, get proposals in, select a vendor,” Brookman said. “We may break ground in 2021 but it would be late in the year. We don’t need to fund any of that from external sources, we can do that strictly from our development charges and our reserves.”
A presentation of the draft budget will be made to council on Tuesday.
