Presentations / Deputations
Mark Rose, Manager of the Picton BIA, addressed the Committee regarding the Picton BIA budget.
The 2023 BIA budget request of $124,553 was approved by the Committee. All surplus funds will be transferred to reserves for future use.
Dr. Anne Nancekievill and Adam Hambley of the County Docs Program addressed the Committee regarding the Physician Recruitment and Retention Program.
Council directed staff to consider the request of the County Docs Program for physician recruitment and retention support in the 2023 budget process.
Staff will bring forward a Terms of Reference for a County-led working group that can work in conjunction with the County Docs Physician Recruitment and Retention Program and other stakeholders, to undertake planning for the long-term recruitment and retention goals, critical infrastructure goals, and provincial advocacy support.
2023 Budget Direction
Council directed staff to waive the Debt Policy for 2023 to allow debt to exceed the 15% of the ARL or 2023.
Staff will maximize the use of unspent Municipal Accommodation Tax revenue from 2021 along with the 70% of the municipal portion of the 2022 MAT revenue and transfer $700,000 to the Reserve for Roads Construction.
Council Compensation Review
The Council remuneration has been left unchanged, with the inclusion of the yearly cost of living increase.
Staff will implement a Health Care Spending Account of $1,000 per year, per Council Member, with premiums paid by the municipality for the 2023 budget year. Council has directed staff to conduct a review of alternative available options for health coverage and report back to Council prior to the 2024 budget.
Council approved the new Council Remuneration and Expense Policy, but staff will return to Council with a report on proposed additions to the policy prior to 2024 budget exploring:
- expanding eligible expenses such as childcare, internet/cell-phone usage, and access to municipal facilities for constituency support; and,
- add to the third-year process, an equity, inclusion and equity of access evaluation, and a scope of work analysis.
Next Council meeting: Regular Meeting of Council, January 24, 2023
This summary is not a complete record of the proceedings of the meeting. For the official record, please refer to the minutes in the next Council agenda. A video of this meeting is available on The County’s YouTube Channel.