A number of projects currently pencilled into the 2017 capital budget drew a lot of discussion among city councillors this week. The reshuffling of the 10 year plan is a complicated move. By moving some projects into the future to save money now, the budget will be facing some some difficulties in the coming years including 2023.
A Greening Nipissing project valued at $50,000 to deal with storm water management was voted on, and kept in the budget. A $500,000 increase to the roads budget was discussed, and ultimately endorsed by council. Another idea discussed was moving the rehabilitation of Kings Landing back a year, a proposal put forward by Councillor George Maroosis. It was also voted on, but ultimately council opted to keep it in for 2017. Other issues like West Ferris arena were discussed, but nothing concrete was laid out.
Councillor Tanya Vrebosch was frustrated with some of the discussions, wondering where all the money was going to come from. Councillor Derek Shogren said the capital budget is like an all you can eat buffet. Councillor Mark King echoed those sentiments. He says if council continues to push projects forward into future years, they’re just aggravating the problem.
King was more frank in his description of the budget process. He says it’s very tricky and complex, and unless you spend a lot of time looking at everything people can easily get confused. He says the majority of council does not get any help from staff. He says they protect themselves like it`s going out of style.
