Day two of budget discussions in Prince Edward County saw councillors work their way through the tax supported capital portion of the 2021 budget.
Councillors met at Highline Hall in Wellington on Tuesday morning to discuss items such as buildings, vehicles and roads.
Roads were the big ticket item of the day and the majority of discussions revolved around the changing list of roads that are marked as priority, noting they never seem to catch up. Councillors wanted to see a consistent list of roads which require work citing transparency for residents.
Director of Development Services Peter Moyer told councillors they are in a transition year between the old road needs study and where they are hoping to be next year.
Councillor Janice Maynard said the municipality is in triage mode when it comes to repairing their roads.
She said almost all the calls they as councillors receive are exclusively on the condition of the roads and they need to find the courage to put the money towards fixing their roads.
Maynard noted people would accept paying an additional $100 in taxes if it meant their road would be fixed as roads are residents’ highest priority.
Another major project of note was $500,000 towards the redevelopment of the H.J. McFarland Memorial Home. The money would be used in 2021 for the design and engineering of the facility that would see the home go from a Class C to a Class A facility by 2025.
Councillors and staff will look at the tax supported operating budget tomorrow (Wednesday), with the possibility of looking at the rate supported capital and operating budgets before tackling the levy.
The budget discussions continue at 9 a.m. and can be live streamed.
