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Setting Priorities

A Master Work Plan sets out the key issues facing the town, and determines priorities

On September 18th, Counciller June Porter proposed a motion to create a Master Work Plan to accompany the Town’s Budget.  Council passed this motion.

The Motion Reads

"WHEREAS Council of the Town of The Blue Mountains seeks an expansion of tools to ensure that all Town resources are assigned effectively to achieve success and that department works plans are fully aligned with the annual budget;

THAT Council directs staff, in consultation with the Budget Working Group, to provide a comprehensive master work plan for 2024 to accompany the draft 2024 budget for consideration. This master work plan will include current and future projects from all departments, along with budget breakdowns and reserve requirements as well as potential grant opportunities.”

Why This Matters

The BMRA has long advocated for Council to provide a clear list of their top priorities, including objectives and measurables, to ensure that their constituents understand the key issues facing the Town, and Council's commitment to address them.

Councillor Porter's motion supports that goal.  

We believe it will help:

• ensure that Staff time and resources are allocated in a manner consistent with the stated priorities;

• align Council and Staff on key deliverables;

• facilitate regular reporting of progress made against the stated priorities; and

• manage related budget funding. 

Clarity on Capital Reserves

The BMRA has requested greater clarity regarding the Town's capital reserves.  These are obviously critical to the Town's long term financial health.

In light of significant construction cost inflation, we consider it vital to get clarity on:

• current reserve funds;

• anticipated additions to reserves; and

• projected capital spending.

  
  

There’s also pressure coming from the uncertain impact of the Province's Bill 23 on the Development Charges that municipalities can expect to receive from Developers.

This adds still more importance to the Town's management of financial reserves. 

Councillor Porter’s Motion will help the town in this regard.

Regards,

Blue Mountain Ratepayers' Association

The BMRA’s Annual General Meeting is Coming

October 21st, 2023 at 9:30 AM

The Marsh Centre

187 Marsh Street, Clarksburg