Quinte News continues looking back at 2023, and that included a chat with Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison.
Harrison says the largest challenge over the last 12 months was the rupture of the water main under the Trent River, providing water to the west side of the city.
He says staff went right to work to solve the problem.
“Our staff are very dedicated and reliable and contractors known that. Contractors that that if there is an issue and staff points it out, they’d step up to the table.”
Harrison says the challenging budget process was also difficult.
“This is the most difficult process this year that I’ve ever had to deal with.”
Harrison says the cost of infrastructure and the lower funds in lieu of taxes from the feds for 8 Wing both hurt. There was also a large number of groups, charities, and requests that came in, along with the request to forgive a loan of $1 million from the Quinte Humane Society.
“In order to get our budget and tax increase down, we’ve used our reserves and they’re much lower than they should be.”
The municipality is looking at some major infrastructure projects in the coming year, include the train bridge overpass on Wooler Road (County Road 40), and the side discussion for 2nd Dughill Road, among others.
Quinte West City Council carrying a motion to look into improvements on 2nd Dug Hill Road. December 13, 2023. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
