The city will not use the Stabilization Reserve Fund, Provincial and Federal Restart money, or any year-end surplus to reduce the tax levy increase in the 2021 budget.
The Mayor is directing that those funds should be used to pay down the estimated $8.4-million in one-time costs from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bill Mauro’s motion was approved last night, but he notes the COVID-10 deficit isn’t the only way to spend this money.
“You could use it for the Conservatory, for example, if you want to do something,” Mauro points out.
Mark Bentz cautioned against using it all for pandemic-related costs, saying there have to be more way to bridge that gap.
City Manager Norm Gale indicated city staff are busy tackling that program while they prepare the budget.
