| Mar 08, 2023


It looks like the levy increase for the 2023 taxation year in North Frontenac will be 3.85 per cent, Council decided at a special meeting March 3 in Plevna.

When the 2023 budget process got underway on February 16, staff came in with an increase of 5 per cent ($327,427). That got whittled down to 4.8 per cent ($312,427) during the meeting.

Council then passed a resolution asking staff to bring come back with a smaller budget, and reduce the increase by $68,000, which would result in a 3.78 per cent increase.

Staff did just that, coming back with several cuts and moves that would result in a 3.77 increase.

However, as deliberations began, Mayor Gerry Lichty said: “I have a few issues with how far down we’ve gone.”

While most of staff’s recommended cuts were retained in the budget, after being tested by various straw votes during the discussions, a few items made their way back into the budget.

For example, $1,200 for enhancement to the historical scenic route signage went back into the budget, as did $400 for the replacement of two hockey nets at the Plevna rink and $2,000 for administrative training.

Lichty advocated strongly for the signage, saying that it was influential in how visitors would view the Township and what their first impressions might be.

There were also a couple of additions to the budget including an additional $8,700 for the Kaladar Barrie Fire Department following the submission of its budget.

But essentially, the things that could be deferred to 2024 were, such as repairs to radios ($2,000), culverts for Struthadam and Quakenbush Roads ($15,000) and the purchase of computers for the planning department ($5,900).

An additional $25,000 was removed from the levy by taking it out of the COVID-19 fund, (for a total of $50,000) leaving a balance of $32,875.73 in that fund.

Other items, such as reducing CAO Corey Klatt’s conference budget to two from three, resulted in a $2,000 savings.

“I have a busy year coming,” Klatt said. “I don’t think I’m going to be able to swing three conferences.”

When all was said and done, only Coun. Vern Hermer spoke up about wanting to see more cuts.

“I don’t know how it’s (a 3.85 per increase) going to be viewed by the public,” Hermer said. “When all of our neighbouring townships are coming in under 3 per cent.”

Frontenac County Strategic Plan

Council welcomed back Jason Kipfer of Explorer Solutions to discuss Frontenac County’s Strategic Plan. The session had been originally scheduled for the Feb. 24 meeting but Mayor Gerry Lichty asked that it be rescheduled as that meeting went overly long.

After a brief overview of both the County and Township already stated strategic priorities, Kipfer led a focus group question session.

Under the question of ‘what should be Frontenac County’s areas of strategic focus?’ Council responded that there should be more activity to look for funding for the provincial highway system. There is no roads department within the County and funding opportunities are missed because of that. It is difficult to maintain roads with the current schedule and there should be additional County support for road upgrades and development.

Council also suggested more active economic support and economic development, especially in the areas of broadband, cell phone service, the road system and healthcare system.

Council suggested the County should take the lead in improving the healthcare system, both south and north of Hwy 7.

Council was also concerned about the voice, priorities and needs of North Frontenac being heard throughout the County.

Council also discussed engaging the community in order to improve service to its citizens but pointed out that with about 2,500 permanent residents and 7,500 seasonal residents, that can be difficult.

It was noted that townhall meetings can be effective but turnout and participation are very influenced by topic.

Council also would like to see paramedicine offered to citizens, suggesting that approaching the province for funding might be a viable pursuit.

They also brought up the idea of funding for Pine Meadow Nursing Home, saying that it’s difficult for North Frontenac residents to get into Fairmont Home.

Support local
independant journalism by becoming a patron of the Frontenac News.