February 17, 2007
Caroline Grech, Staff Writer, The Liberal

Hire heritage co-ordinator, politicians told

RICHMOND HILL - Richmond Hill politicians took it to the public Tuesday night to find out how you think they should spend money in this year's budget.
Only a handful of residents attended the meeting, but their suggestions included money to help local organizations and funding for a heritage co- ordinator.

This is the second time council has sought help to set priorities and those who attended came with wish lists.

For resident Bruce Rhodes, cash needs to be set aside to fight graffiti.

"I walk my dogs every night and, increasingly, I am seeing graffiti where I never used to. If there is any means to reduce or eliminate it, we could nip it in the bud," Mr. Rhodes said, offering his time to help.

For others it was a chance to ask for help.

Eight months ago, Dean Colford started Mind Body and Soul, a program to help people with mental disorders.

With an emphasis on physical fitness, nutrition and education, the group is now looking to find more space in its current home in the McConaghy Centre at Yonge Street and Major MacKenzie Drive.

"I'm experiencing somewhat of a phenomena. We have a waiting list," Mr. Colford explained.

Mayor Dave Barrow suggested Mr. Colford check out grant programs that may help the group get cash to rent more space.

Others asked the town to hire a full time heritage co-ordinator.

Staffing is something the town is already examining, Mr. Barrow said after the meeting.

"We have budget plans for a number of positions," he said, adding some people may be hired to perform multiple roles.

"As we grow, we need more people in the planning department," he added.

Prior to the public deputations, finance commissioner Dan Elliott outlined pressures facing the town this year.

Over the next four years, there are a few costly projects in the works, such as the $25 million Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts (now under construction) and an Oak Ridges community centre to be built near Lake Wilcox. It still awaits a cost estimate.

Other projects include a permanent library for Oak Ridges and a new fire hall.

As well, there are priorities for which politicians must find money, Mr. Elliott said, including repairing or replacing municipal roads, bridges, buildings and equipment. Currently the town is spending $13 million a year on this.

Another complication in establishing a budget is because the region's sanitary sewer project is behind schedule, Mr. Elliott said.

"We can't issue residential unit permits right now because we don't have the sewer capacity," Mr. Elliott said, adding the delay is slowing residential growth.

Mayor Barrow agreed the matter is pressing, noting the project won't be finished for several years.

Residential taxes are the town's biggest cash source, with $51 million collected last year, compared with $7.6 million from non-residential sources.

The next biggest source was $20.2 million from user fees, fines and other charges.

Mr. Barrow said he was surprised at how the meeting went.

"Nobody was asking us to reduce taxes, but to add more services, instead. It was a different kind of meeting than I expected."

Politicians will continue to deliberate on the budget over the next few weeks through meetings, which are open to the public.

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