At the final meeting of the year, Municipality of Port Hope Council approved the 2019 Operating and Capital budgets, ratifying the resolution well ahead of schedule and the first to do so in the County.
“The budget process was conducted efficiently by our Finance Staff, and as a result, we were able to reach a consensus very early this year,” noted Bob Sanderson, Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope. “Now that we have our budgets in place, Staff can begin to carry out the planned projects and initiatives immediately after the holidays. We will have wasted no time and can begin to fulfill the budget commitments first thing in 2019.”
The proposed budget is a 1.9% levy requirement increase after growth, and includes large infrastructure projects including the Brown Street reconstruction as well as the construction of the Pemberton Road extension, which is the next step in the development of the Business Park.
“During the budget committee meetings, we maintained a fiscally-responsible approach to avoid a substantial increase in taxes,” explained Mayor Sanderson. “With this budget, I’m confident that our priority projects are moving forward without too much pressure on the levy, and to the benefit of the community as a whole.”
The Budget Committee deliberated for two days in a publicly advertised, open meeting on December 10 and continued on December 13, to review and discuss the draft 2019 financial plan. The budget was also subject to a community consultation process and comments from the public were considered by Council prior to final approval.
Residents may review the 2019 Operating and Capital Budgets at http://porthope.ca/budget
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
