Provisions passed for capital budget

Development will continue to pay for a significant share of future capital projects in Innisfil Heights and Big Bay Point.

At least, that's the plan according to Innisfil council. Councillors passed added provisions to the 2010 Capital Budget last week. As part of the plan, council has mandated that any future growth-related servicing needs for the Innisfil Heights and Big Bay area will be paid for through development charges or related fees.

"To fund these projects from future development charges, council must clearly identify their intentions," said treasurer Audrey Webb, in a report to council. "It has been a challenge to present a capital budget that meets the needs of the public and council, adequately addresses the town's operation needs and is financially prudent. Staff recognize the need to ensure the financial sustainability of the town's capital program, and will be working on the development and implementation of various policies to facilitate this."

Town council passed its $17.6 million capital budget recently. In total, the budget was reduced by about $5.7 million, down from the original $23.2 million in spending proposed when it was introduced in December.

About 47.8 per cent of the capital budget would be spent on roads and related infrastructure. Over 18 per cent would be allocated to town fleet, with water receiving nearly 12 per cent of funding and wastewater getting about 9.6 per cent.

Development charges fund about 41.2 per cent of this year's budget spending, with ARS covering nearly 16.4 per cent, and reserves paying for about 13 per cent.