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10/ December 2023 The South Marysburgh Mirror COUNCIL John Hirsch Councillor, Ward 9 South Marysburgh November - here comes the budget ! By the time you are reading this, council will be in the midst of a week long discussion/ decision-making process for the County's 2024 budget. Remarkably, this year the whole package (355 pages) was made available for public review on November 20 — a full 2 weeks ahead of budget week. The headline number is that staff's budget proposal calls for a 10.7% increase to your property tax bill. This is much higher than we have accomplished in recent years for two reasons. We have a perfect storm of high inflation and all of the county’s union contracts come up for renewal this spring after the expiry of three year contracts. You can imagine what our employees will be seeking to try to keep up with inflation. | have reviewed the full package once now, phew! And have identified some proposals that | think can be removed or deferred so as to reduce that tax increase. | would encourage everyone to review the budget package and advise any ideas you have for reductions. Council News Approved a resolution to request the province not to re- lax source water protection permits for private firms Approved a resolution requesting the province establish a minimum living wage Approved construction loans for several capital projects nearing completion Received the CAO’s third quarter report (see above) Received the annual cheque from the Women’s Institute to assist accessible transit Deputation from Base 31 regarding the need for water and wastewater infrastructure Deputation from Mike Harper supporting water and wastewater infrastructure projects Presentation regarding the 2024 Arrow Trail project Did not extend the Uride ride sharing program Referred the tender for Wellington trunk line water and wastewater pipes back to staff Approved the tender for Picton sanitary pump station Agreed to ask Planning staff to reconsider the Trae resort report to take into account issues brought forward by the public. Received deputations from the ROC, PELC and PEHAC seeking funding in the 2024 budget e Approved a motion to expand the financial relief pro- gram — to be presented at budget 2024 Coming Up e Presentation from Library Board (mid-year update) « Bridge Asset Management (setting service expectations to inform budget and asset management) e Report on business retention e The 2024 budget lam continuing my five days a week community email. It has been modified to focus on Covid only in the Saturday edition. The rest of the week it includes timely notices, community events, etc. So if you are not already subscribed, just send me your email address and | will add you to the list of over 300 families. IF you have not been receiving my email, please look in your junk mail or spam folder as there have been some is- sues with the County email system. I can be reached by phone, text and email. jhirsch@pecounty.on.ca 613-846-0046 And don’t forget, for immediate service the County help line is available: 613-476-2148 ext. 1023 For complaints, pothole requests, etc. Email: info@pecounty.on.ca Or submit a request using the online form on the County website: www.thecounty.ca Bylaw complaints: bylaw @pecounty.on.ca For weekend or 24 hour situations go to the who to contact page: www.thecounty. [: hub/who-to-call/