Council Mnutes - Aug 5/08

August 5, 2008

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HILTON BEACH
Council Meeting
August 5, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Hore and Councillors Crack, Hope, Stevens and Sullivan.

The draft budget was reviewed and discussed. There were reductions in some areas with the major one being policing and increases in others such as the Fire Department as funds are being put into a reserve for capital equipment. It is estimated that snow removal will be higher for the year and electrical costs have increased in all of the buildings and for the streetlights. The program to valuate all of the municipal assets will be a one time expense this year and while there is a grant to cover a portion of the work, some is added to the levy. However this change in policy will result in financial statements the more accurately reflect the financial position of the municipalities of Ontario.

The recreation programs and special events are, as has been the case historically, self funded with no contribution from taxes. The construction of the addition to The Waterfront Centre is paid for with a grant from the Province. These funds were applied for, approved for and must be used for this purpose. The marina will operate at a profit again and as has been done this surplus will be applied to the general expenditures. Once the operating funding from the Province reaches the level calculated by the Ministry of Finance to be the correct amount, the marina surplus can be placed in a reserve for future expenditures at the marina as the infrastructure ages.

Although the net amount of expenditures increased by 5%, the tax rate increased only 3% as there was a net gain in assessment. This should be even more pronounced in 2009 with other construction planned.

08-80 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by W. Stevens
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #946 being a by-law to adopt the current estimates and tax rates for 2008 and to provide for penalty and interest in default of payment thereof.
Carried

08-81 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #947 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held August 5th and confirm the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby.
Carried

08-82 Moved by W. Stevens Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to adjourn to meet again on September 10th, 2008 or at the call of the Mayor.
Carried