General Government
Clerks Department
Emily Elliott, Deputy Clerk advised that there are no significant changes to the Clerks Department budget. Ms. Elliott noted significant increases in civil wedding ceremonies conducted and marriage licences issued.
Discussion surrounding payments to the Township's Integrity Commissioner.
Township Hall - Operating
There were no questions.
Treasury
Tobi Lee, Treasurer spoke to the Treasury budget and new initiatives related to e-billing/payments.
Kristi Honey, CAO reminded Committee that the Township staff base is significantly lower than comparable municipalities.
Ms. Lee advised that revenue comes from tax certificates and that there were no material increases in this budget.
Corporate - General Government Operating
Ms. Honey explained that there are no significant changes in terms of expenditures and spoke to staffing. There was discussion surrounding corporate training and investments made by leveraging grant funding.
Discussion surrounding consulting costs and the possibility of increasing that budget item.
General Government - Capital
2025 - No increases.
There was discussion surrounding the Township's website and the increase in fees and turning to a new provider.
Members of Council - 2026
There was discussion surrounding IT software, hardware contributions and cyber safety.
Members of Council - Operating - 2025/2026
Ms. Lee spoke to expenditures and explained that these actuals are year to date.
Ms. Lee clarified that increases made in 2024 to Council salary does not include the Mayor who did not take the approved increase. These funds went into the new Uxbridge Hospital build.
Discussion surrounding conferences and travel.
CAO - Operating
No questions and no significant changes.
By-law - Operating
Hillary Williams, Director of Development Services, By-law and Animal Control explained that there were no significant changes. Ms. Williams touched on the move to Hotspot which has advanced by-law's ticketing ability. Ms. Williams advised that parking revenue is down slightly due to three month break to implement Hotspot.
Ms. Williams touched on some current by-law matters being addressed and the legal costs associated.
Animal Control - Operating
Ms. Williams advised that there are no significant changes. Ms. Williams noted the increase in injured animals which impacted veterinarian costs and the significant increase in veterinarian fees.
Ms. Williams clarified that the numbers displayed constitute total numbers which is a shared cost (50/50) with the Township of Scugog.
By-law and Animal Control - Capital
Ms. Williams spoke to capital projects listed in the 2025-2034 budget including the New Animal Shelter and new vehicles for Animal Control and By-law.
Development Services - Operating
Ms. Williams provided 2024 Development Services statistics.
Ms. Williams spoke to the decline of revenue down due to higher interest rates which is stifling building as well as the post-covid lull. There was discussion regarding downloaded responsibilities and the need for a line item to reflect same.
Development Services - Operating
Ms. Williams noted the need for two new trucks in 2030.
The Finance Committee recessed at 2:25 p.m. and reconvened at 2:31 p.m.
Fire Department - Operating
Fire Chief Mike MacDonald provided Committee with current department statistics including 340 calls to date which is above average for this time of year.
Fire Chief MacDonald spoke to an increase in staff with a compliment of 45 and a new Deputy Fire Chief, Captains and Lieutenants.
There was discussion surrounding fire prevention and education. Committee suggested that fire prevention and education be increased by $15,000 in the future.
There was also discussion regarding enhanced 911 and the increase in medical calls.
Fire Chief MacDonald spoke to increased messaging regarding the burn by-law.
Fire Department - Capital
Fire Chief MacDonald spoke to continuation of the radio system project as well as the replacement of PPE and the pickup truck.