Council goes through budget over four days

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Town council eliminated a request for a $28,477 tourism co-ordinator but did approve a request for a senior inspector/plans examiner at a budget impact of $117,336 during the 2023 budget deliberations.

Administration noted there is a challenge to recruit building staff in the region adding there’s a “significant gap” in succession planning in the building department.

A part-time development services clerk was also approved at a budget impact of $45,934.

Town council also approved $113,265 (salaries and benefits) for a new planner with the budget paper forecasting that planning services will generate over $200,000 in fee revenue in an average year.

It is projected the level of service enhancement would be paid for by user feeds and not result in an increase to property taxes assessed.

An economic development/ communications officer was approved with a total budgetary impact of $131,844.

Prue called this “a long-time coming” and said he advocated for the job the last four years as a councillor but council had other priorities those years.

“We’re on the cusp of a lot of economic development,” he said.

Prue added people are seeking information on industrial lands at Amherstburg Land Holdings and the Howard Industrial Park.

“It’s time. It feels right,” added Courtney, of the economic development/communications position.

The town decreased a potential $500,000 transfer to the new capital reserve by $170,000, thus making it a $330,000 transfer, as a way to decrease the tax rate.

After wavering on whether they wanted to cut it all or reduce it by $250,000, council ultimately chose $170,000 as the proposed budget rate increase was 3.65 per cent at that point of the meeting and the $170,000 reduction got it to three per cent.

A projected $49,473 increase in consent and variance fees was also factored into this year’s budget along with a $118,933 increase in planning fees.

WANTED

OLDER CHAINSAW, in running order with 24 or 26” bar. Please call 519736-6228.

WANTED

VINTAGE GOLF CLUBS

- Vintage wood head woods, irons with wood or metal shafts. Also golf bags. Very old only please. Call or text 519-567-4446.

RENOVATIONS & REPAIRS

WITH OVER 30 YEARS of renovation and construction experience I can ensure your project is completed professionally, correctly and with pride. Locally owned & operated. www.renovisions.ca Steve 519-300-0961.

Finn BradFord Erickson

March 6, 2006 - March 9, 2006 Days will pass and turn to years, but we will always remember you with silent tears.

Happy Heavenly 17th Birthday sunshine. Sending butterfly kisses to you in heaven.

From Grandparents Barry & Jean Evans

Thank You

From the family of the late Thelma Triolet (nee stibbs)

We wish to express our sincere thanks to all our friends, family and neighbours for the kindness shown in the loss of our adored Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Great-Great-Grandmother, the light of our family. Thank you for the many messages of support, flowers, cards, prayers, food and visits. A special thank you to Father Matt for the beautiful service. The love shown during this very difficult time will never be forgotten.

The Triolet Family

Apt For Rent

CASA BLANCA & BELLA

Vista 365-369 Dalhousie. Large, clean, quiet with security entrance. Laundry, patio or balcony, stainless steel appliances, parking. Centrally located to all amenities. Starting at $1395 utilities included. Call to view 519-995-1565.

JANITOR NEEDED PART-TIME POSITION

AVAILABLE in Amherstburg area. We pride ourselves with being a loyal & honest employer, that treats our staff with respect. $15.75/hour, 15 hours a week, evening hours. If you are self-motivated & reliable, have your own transportation please email resume to pattie@ greenteamclean.ca

PEST CONTROL AND WILD ANIMAL CONTROL

DELINE’S SERVING AMHERSTBURG since 1988. Call 519-736-2448.

Community Calendar

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

FISH FRY - The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul will be hosting a Fish Fry at the Columbus Hall on Richmond St. Amherstburg from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to dine-in or take-out a fish or chicken dinner at a reasonable price. There will also be a well-stocked dessert table available. Come out and support a great cause.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

ESSEX COUNTY FIELD

NATURALISTS’ CLUB MEETING

- The Essex County Field Naturalists Club meets every second Wednesday of the month, except for November, at Ojibway Nature Center. The next meeting is March 8th, at 7:30 p.m. at Ojibway, 5200 Matchette Rd. All are welcome. Free to the public. March is our Annual General Meeting. Come out and find out what our club is all about. A lot of interesting board openings and volunteer opportunities. The Essex County Naturalists also provide opportunities to observe nature alongside members keen to impart their knowledge at what we call “Pop-Ups”. The next pop-up is Sunday, March 12, 12:30 p.m.- 2:30 p.m., Malden Park.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY - The Essex County International Women’s Day Committee invites everyone to join them in celebrating International Women’s Day at 11a.m. at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery. This year’s theme is Women in Fermentation. Panel discussion, 50/50 draw, documentary screening and more. Proceeds benefit ACS and Pink Boots Canada. Tickets $85. For tickets, visit https://www.sprucewoodshores. com/event/international-womensday-luncheon-panel-discussion-with- women-in-fermentation/

ONGOING

MENTAL HEALTH & COUNSELLING SERVICES - The Youth Wellness Hub presenting mental health and counselling services at The House Youth Centre. Starts Feb. 8 and will run every Wednesday from 2-6 p.m. Free for people between the ages of 12-25. The House is located within the Amherstburg Community Hub at 320 Richmond St. For details, call 519800-8640.

MISSION HOURS - The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, 298 Victoria St. S., is open from 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. with lunch served between 12-1 p.m. Mission food bank open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. For info, call 519-736-9140 or visit www.aburgmission.ca. Stop by for food, fellowship and a warm welcome.

FREE COMMUNITY MEALLighthouse Church, in conjunction with Feeding Windsor, invites the public to come every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. for a free dinner. Everyone welcome. Come meet others in the community and enjoy some good food. No registration required. Bring a friend! Lighthouse Church is located at 266 King St. (entrance off Gore St.).

RAPID TEST KITS - Free COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test kit distribution program being supported by the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce and Amherstburg Community Services (ACS). Info at https:// amherstburgchamber.com/covid19-rapid-screening-program/. Small and medium sized businesses with under 150 employees complete the

Program Agreement form found at the link and bring the completed form to ACS between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Currently distributing boxes of 25 test kits/per box.

GOLDEN AGE CLUB

- The Golden Age Club, Amherstburg’s friendship club, located at the Libro Recreation Centre is offering social activities five days a week. It costs $10 a year to join. There are over 160 members who have a lot of fun playing euchre, pepper, bingo, cribbage, and bridge and doing line dancing. We also have three special luncheons and a beautiful Christmas party each year. You pick which activities you want to participate in. Go to our website (www.goldenagecentre. ca) to see how to join, participate, and learn how we support our community.

JUNIOR OPTIMIST

INTERNATIONAL - Looking

WANTED for youth in Grades 4-12 who are interested in giving back to the community and developing leadership skills. Contact Caitlin at 519-995-5289 or secretary@bryerswood.com.

LOOKING TO BUY Older Gibson or Fender guitar. Call or text 519-567-4446.

BINGOS - K of C Hall in River Canard starting bingos Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. Dinein BBQ first Friday of the month, call in advance for tickets – 519-734-8575.

ACS FOOD BANK - Curbside pickup at Amherstburg Community Hub (320 Richmond St.). Runs Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-12 noon. Call 519-736-5471 for assistance.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDCommunity service volunteer hours are available for high school students. Outside jobs at Bryerswood Youth Camp. Please contact info@ bryerswood.com. Thank you.