Lot’s Discussed at 2011 Budget Meeting

A small turnout but some good discussion on the 2011 Municipal Budget Thursday night at a public meeting at the Dryden Centre.
Treasurer Linda McNaughton says a number of challenges will create headaches for staff and council in drafting and balancing the budget.
The City is expecting a drop in the assessment value on the large industrial sector, resulting in $260,000 in lost tax revenue.
Wage and benefits are also expected to jump 2% (or an extra $260,000) and Dryden likely won’t see $250,000 in dividends from the Solar Farm project due to a delay in Provincial approval.
Staff also warn of possible service cuts as every Department will be reviewed with a fine-tooth comb.
Staff must have their capital budgets completed for review by November 19th.
The first draft of the 2011 Budget will be presented to Council on December 20th.
However, a handful in attendance last night asked Staff and Council-elect to keep moving forward.
Shayne MacKinnon noted he want’s to see more money for the Dryden Youth Centre.
Chuck Schmitt made a plea to maintain funding for cultural development.
Others called for sustained funding for continued investment in DMTS and the Dryden Development Corporation.
One resident asked for a tax freeze and for the City to start focusing on business development in the downtown core.