Chair Taylor is proposing a flat budget of $95,492.00, the same total amount as last year.
Member Post asked if a flat budget will provide for an additional member this year.
Member Weatherbee asked Vice-Chair McSweeney if he foresees an increase in memberships and subscriptions this year. Vice-Chair McSweeney advised he doesn't see an increase in the cost of memberships and subscriptions.
Chair Taylor advised the retiree benefits are in relation to Orangeville Police Service Member benefits as that is a closed business and finance felt it was most appropriate to place in the Board budget. This item will disappear in the next couple of years.
Member Maycock advised if we are confident with the bottom line that is most important, and the budget lines can be revised as required.
Member Weatherbee advised training and conference attendance will be important for the members.
Member Armstrong advised he would like to see more detail in the line items for example where are member per diem costs covered, education, and is there appropriate coverage for insurance and will there be an insurance deductible if a claim is made?
Chair Taylor advised it will go back to Town Finance for further review. He is not certain whether insurance will fall under the Board budget or elsewhere.
Member Post suggested that conferences, workshops and training be merged under professional development.
Member Armstrong asked can the Board over spend on line items as long as the overall budget is not overspent.
Chair Taylor advised Member Armstrong that is correct.