The Town Council and Staff paid attention to the difference between the "must do's", and the "nice-to-do's". They acknowledged the economic pressures everyone is feeling today, and especially considered how Grey County’s 6.2% tax increase will impact residents.
So, some consulting proposals were declined, and other discretionary spending programs were dropped. One example is the proposed Town Natural Asset and Urban Canopy Division. In our New Year Message to our members, we said that we fully support efforts to protect our natural environment that we all cherish, in a practical and cost effective manner. And we know that our tree canopy is a vital and valued part of our environment.
However, the proposal included in the supplemental budget package entailed the hiring of two new staff positions, and projected operating costs for ongoing tree maintenance on public lands of as much as $3 million when fully operational. That would represent about 15% or the current Town tax levy funds.
At this time of significant financial pressure, Council made the appropriate decision to spend the time required in 2024 to scope out the optimal Urban Canopy strategy, which should, among other things, find supporting revenue from non-taxation sources.
We will be following this initiative as it plays out in 2024.