The next budget will be challenging. With an increased debt load due to improvements to the Golf Course, Mooretown Sports Complex, and Waste Water Treatment Plant, thoughtful planning will be needed. Our Asset Management Plan is an essential document to use when planning for the future. It takes in account everything the township owns like roads, sewers, buildings, equipment, etc. It lays out the condition of each asset and a maintenance or replacement schedule for each one. For an overview of asset from the Asset Management Plan: https://www.stclairtownship.ca/asset-management/st-clair-township-amp/
We have limited resources and it will be crucial that every dollar is spent wisely, is accounted for, and that we find efficiencies. Cutting or lowering taxes is a dangerous thing. It means projects can’t be completed and services may be cut. I want to work closely with staff to see how our spending can be improved and funds continue to be allocated properly, especially to the reserve accounts. Sometimes reserves are treated as a “slush fund” rather than an investment in our future.
Borrowing from our own reserves means funds may not be there when we need them. Think of it like you are saving for a new car. You set aside money every time you receive a paycheque knowing in a number of months you will accumulate enough to pay for it. Every time you take from your car savings account, your new vehicle gets further away, your old car suddenly needs repair and there’s not enough money to fix or replace it.
