Local municipalities can’t afford to pay more for programs offered by the Kenora District Services Board.
That’s the message being delivered by some community leaders as the KDSB drafts its 2021 budget.
Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance says municipal budgets will be hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions.
“Slightly different situation now. Quite a different situation. The assessments are frozen so Municipalities aren’t going to realize any growth in value of an assessment other than new assessments. So that’s going to be an additional pressure and then there are businesses that are going to fail.”
He adds “Our tourism sector. There’s going to be businesses going out of business. I’m quite sure. They are under pressure. They’ll want tax relief. So I think it’s very fair to indicate to staff that this is not the year to fill in the wishlist. You should be considering keeping in mind 0%.
However, Kenora Councillor Andrew Poirier stresses it’s prudent to see the final numbers and allow staff to do their job.
“I like to see what their needs are and where everything lands. Because we’re going to box staff in if we pass a motion to say 0%. I know it’s extraordinary times and such.”
Poirier adds everybody wants a freeze in payments but notes staff shouldn’t be backed into a corner.
“Picking a number out of the air because it’s politically great for every municipality and I think we need to give staff an opportunity to do what they are good at doing and coming back with those program costs and then let’s have the debate.”
The 2020 budget totalled $60.3 million and reflected a 0.28% increase to the local share over the 2019 fiscal document.
