A huge financial burden is being eased at Thunder Bay city hall.
Mayor Bill Mauro says the city is receiving $9.4-million from other levels of government to handle COVID-19 pressures, with the option of seeking more if needed. “There will be time for us to reflect on it. There will be forms and submissions required through the finance department, to the relevant ministries, to justify any further demands or needs we may have.”
$6-million will go to general operating expenses, and the rest to Thunder Bay transit. The mayor adds the money is allocated on a per household basis.
At the same time, he gives a reminder of how often during city council he’s made the point of the need to demonstrate fiscal responsibility, as the province will want proof of the need now, and in the months to come. “We are willing to make some of the difficult decisions because at some point, the province, as we’re lobbying on one hand for more assistance, we needed to be seen as being willing to make some of the difficult decisions.”
The city adds if the general expenses amount given exceeds how much is used for 2020 expenses, the extra is to be set aside for 2021.
