Chatham-Kent council reallocates $2.1M surplus to housing, other needs

Chatham-Kent council has approved reallocating a $2.1-million operating surplus to various municipal needs.

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Staff made a recommendation during Monday’s meeting, but South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci entered an alternate motion to provide more money for affordable housing.

The allocations are:

  • Reserve for police services issues: $94,610
  • Bloomfield Business Park unfunded capital project: $500,000
  • Reserve for affordable housing: $1,516,519

Initially, the tax rate stabilization reserve was to receive $500,000, while the strategic development reserve was to receive $516,519.

The affordable housing reserve is used during the purchase and building of new affordable housing assets in Chatham-Kent. It was originally in line for a $500,000 allocation.

Ceccacci believed boosting that reserve amount made sense, noting the various projects required.

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“It’s going to be utilized in this term of council,” he said. “It’s a way to utilize that money in a timely manner.”

BUDGET DATES ANNOUNCED

Dates for the upcoming budget committee meetings and online community consultations were announced.

The consultations will continue with the online format that has boosted public participation, staff said in a report.

Opening night, Nov. 13 at 6 pm in council chambers, will be an information meeting to review issues facing council and staff recommendations. It will be broadcast by YourTV and on YourTV YouTube channel

Online budget presentation and community consultations are set for Nov. 20 at noon and Nov. 21 at 7 pm A brief presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer period.

Budget committee deliberations are slated for council chambers Nov. 26 and 27, from 6 to 10 pm They will also be broadcast and live-streamed.

If needed, Nov. 28, Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 have been set aside as additional dates.

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