Saint Andrews Town Council Discusses 2025 Budget

On October 28, 2024, the Council for the Town of Saint Andrews held a special council meeting at the WC O’Neill Arena Complex Council Chambers. The primary agenda was to deliberate on Draft Three of the 2025 budget.

Vicki Hogarth – Local Journalism Initiative

One of the pivotal discussions revolved around the allocation of services and taxation models following municipal reform. Councillor Annette Harland reflected on the amalgamation process, noting, "Amalgamation has happened. There's no turning the clocks back. This is the road forward." She highlighted the importance of creating a unified municipal vision that included all wards.

Conversely, Councillor Darryl Weare raised concerns about the fairness of a unified tax rate, especially for wards receiving different levels of service. "I can't see how we can have one rate for the three wards. The two wards outside the old town don't get near the services," he argued, pointing to legislative provisions that allow for differential tax rates based on service levels.

The debate highlighted the complexity of balancing financial responsibility with community cohesion. Mayor Brad Henderson sought clarity on the council's direction, asking, "Is your expectation that we'll have variable tax rates and whatever that model says is what everybody should be paying?"

The meeting also touched upon the town's infrastructure needs, particularly focusing on water and utility projects. Chief Administrative Officer Chris Spear highlighted the urgency of certain projects, stating, "The water treatment facility and the Douglas Street lift station require immediate attention." He stressed the need for external funding to manage these capital-intensive projects without overburdening the town's finances.

Councillor Mark Bennett supported the infrastructure investments, emphasizing community safety and service continuity. "We need to ensure that our water systems are reliable and safe for all residents," he said.

Another significant topic was the allocation of community grants. With numerous organizations seeking financial support, the council faced the challenge of distributing limited resources equitably. Mayor Henderson acknowledged the vital role these groups play, remarking, "The community doesn't operate without them. We are thankful for their efforts."

To address this, the council considered forming a subcommittee to evaluate grant requests, a move supported by Councillor Harland. "It's somewhat overwhelming to know the extent of the work being done by these organizations," she noted, advocating for a structured approach to grant allocation.

The discussion extended to the town's public works and recreation departments. The council considered a proposal to increase the fire department's stipend budget by 50%, a gesture of appreciation for the volunteers' dedication. Mayor Henderson voiced strong support, stating, "The amount of hours and the situations they handle deserve recognition."

The council debated the need for additional public works staff to manage an increasing workload due to events and infrastructure maintenance. Councillor Lee Heenan expressed support, noting, "They are ready to do anything at any time. I feel that having additional help would be very well needed."

As the meeting concluded, the council left several decisions pending further information and analysis.