Paul and Susan want to look at money more often

City council approved a pair of resolutions at Monday's meeting targeted at improving budget deliberations.

Motions by Ward 1 Councilor Paul Christian and Ward 2 Councilor Susan Myers were passed and both are aimed at making budget talk ongoing throughout the year.

Myers said her resolution is an attempt to take a closer look at budget related issues on an ongoing basis.

After this year's budget discussions, Myers said councilors made it clear they wanted a change in the process and her motion will see a budget related item - like a budget update - dealt with at council meetings on a monthly basis.

"We need to implement something so that we can start this budget process now," Myers said.

Myers will leave the resolution in the hands of city staff to determine the best way of dealing with the budget on a monthly basis.

Ward 3 Councilor Pat Mick seconded the motion and the need be more proactive when it comes to the budget - in particular, to increase public awareness and involvement.

"This will display to the public what we do in relation to the budget," said Mick. "It provides them the opportunity to come to meetings and submit any comments or questions.”

Meanwhile, Christian said the intent of his motion is for city staff to compile a list of discretionary services and find out associated costs.

Christian based his resolution on changing demographics and tightening of services by the provincial and federal governments.

"Services that were required 10 years ago, may not be now," said Christian. "This isn't a check to see if staff is providing services efficiently because I have no doubt they are."

Christian stressed his motion is not just an effort to find out where the city can save money, but also where they might need to add services.

"The intent is not to cut anything," said Christian. "As a matter of fact if we find services have increased in terms of usage then maybe we could look at increasing them to better meet the needs of our constituents.”

Ward 6 Councilor Frank Manzo was pleased by Christian's motion as he’s been pushing for the questioning of department heads for quite some time.

"I have been saying this for the last 38 budgets," said Manzo. "Councilors have the right to question every department head. All of a sudden the horse has run away and now they want to close the barn doors."

Christian thinks his motion is in line with not only the one put forward by Myers, but the continued willingness expressed by council to look at budget issues over the course of the year and not just at budget time.

"I hope the motion will be a starting point that will create discussion among council."