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New term of County Council begins with swearing-in ceremony and election of 2015 Warden
A new term of Northumberland County Council has kicked off as five returning councillors and two new councillors were sworn in yesterday by Justice of the Peace Jack LeBlanc. Members of the Alderville First Nation were present to conduct a ceremonial smudging in honour of the occasion.
Following the inauguration ceremony, Cramahe Mayor Marc Coombs was acclaimed to the position of Northumberland County Warden for 2015. "I look forward to working with my Council colleagues in the spirit of the County's vision to bring together people, partnerships and possibilities for a strong and vibrant Northumberland," stated Warden Coombs. "Through collaboration and a focus on shared services and economic development, we will build efficiencies and opportunities for our residents."
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Council receives draft 2015 County Budget
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Northumberland County Council has received the recommended County budget for 2015, as presented by Finance Director and Treasurer Jennifer Moore. Consistent with the forecasted 10-Year Financial Plan, this budget calls for a 2.5 per cent increase in the County levy after property assessment growth. This is the fifth consecutive year with a stable increase after more than a decade of fluctuating County tax rates. A new element brought forward this year for Council's consideration is the potential introduction in 2016 of an additional 1% annual capital levy, which will support efforts aimed at tackling looming infrastructure requirements over the next several years.
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Castleton's 'Kaley's Acres' presented with Certificate of Recognition for winning Premier's Award
Warden Coombs has presented Kaley's Acres owner Adrian Quinn with a Certificate of Recognition. On November 27th , at the annual provincial Summit on Agri-Food, the Castleton-based organization was awarded the Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence. Of the 50 organizations recognized during this year's Summit, Kaley's Acres received top honours for converting former tobacco fields into a successful kale production operation. There is such strong and growing demand for this product that the owners are now planning to open a 20,000-square-foot processing plant, which will process 20 tonnes of kale a week. |
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County Department of Community and Social Services recognized for outstanding efforts implementing new system
As the Social Services Department continues to move forward with the implementation of the Province's new Social Assistance Management system, Council has recognized the team for the successful journey to date. While the implementation has not been without its challenges, Warden Coombs acknowledged the significant positive feedback from Northumberland clients throughout this transition. "That is impressive validation," he said. "You have truly done the County proud."
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Other Business
Snowmobile purchase: Council has authorized staff to purchase a utility snowmobile in the amount of approximately $10,000 for Forest Services and Health & Safety and Emergency Planning Services winter duties. Read More
Infrastructure funding: The County will receive funding in the amount of $179,364 under the formula-based component of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund. The intent of this fund is to provide stable funding to help small communities address critical core Infrastructure needs and strengthen asset management practices. Read More |
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News
Complete 'Buy Local' Survey by January 9: A group of local organizations is encouraging all Northumberland residents aged 14 and older to take five minutes to complete an online survey. Results will be used to inform a 'Buy Local' campaign that the group plans to launch in 2015. Access the Survey
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