Some numbers are more pleasant than others, especially when the chance for people to voice their displeasure is rapidly approaching.
At Shire Hall tonight, Prince Edward County Council will begin the first of three days of discussions what will end with them finalizing next year’s budget.
After an overview is given tonight, the capital budget will be finalized tomorrow with the operating budget to go under the microscope on Wednesday.
No doubt, Council received plenty of input after posting a draft of the budget last month and asking people for their feedback on a possible tax increase of 11%.
Out of all of our local municipalities, Prince Edward County faces some colossal challenges.
They have the smallest population of the big three (being the County, Quinte West and Belleville) while still having a huge and well-travelled road system (especially during tourist season), a massive new water project, and other aging infrastructure.
You also have to remember that they are a two-level government, with County responsibilities for things like Paramedics and the H.J. MacFarland Home.
It all adds up to huge challenges on the financial side, and with a municipal election now only 10 months away, expect the journey to the final budget destination to be even bumpier than a typical trip on County Road 49.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
