KENORA - In an unusual decision in Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting, Kenora’s mayor and council deferred adopting the 2025 budget until they get the full picture of costs being brought forwards from outside agencies.
“We don’t have all the pieces in place. We don’t have all the information,” said Mayor Andrew Poirier, noting he is not confident in the numbers as they stand.
The pieces of information council are most concerned about is the potential increases presented by the Kenora District Services Board and by the city-run Kenora District Home for the Aged. Both of their budgets and anticipated costs have not yet been put forward and are likely higher than they can confidently predict, making it difficult to incorporate the overhead accurately.
“I’m not going to pass a budget and then look for revenue in other places,” said Poirier.
As the budget stands prior to the motion, the city is looking at about a $2.9 million increase over last year, with a total cost of nearly $33.9 million. Some increases include policing costs, operating expenses, salaries and benefits and community services. Presented was a potential for a 9.24 per cent tax increase to residents.
This delay on their decision may see some unspecified projects stalled that were due to start in January.
“Once we enter the New Year, the city starts to spend money. We may look to delay some projects (until the budget is approved),” said Kyle Attanasio, chief administrative officer for the City of Kenora.
The motion to defer will be presented at council next week with, at this time, no set date for a January motion of approval for next year’s expenditures. The full proposal of expenses and changes are available on the City of Kenora website.
