Bracebridge Council debated about adding two new staff positions to the 2025 Draft Budget, in the December 11, 2024, meeting.

Councillor, Don Smith, made the recommendation to amend the budget to add a Climate Change Coordinator, and Executive Assistant for the CAO, deeming the positions as “ones that are quite compelling and a go forward in the municipality.”

The amendment included having staff report back to Committee with job responsibilities. financial implications, and timing for recruitment.

Smith asserted that the Town has recently integrated new programs and the CAO has been involved in demanding projects, including for the hospital and funding for it, and that they have already had ongoing discussions about the positions.

He continued, “As the year progresses there’s quite often gapping with employees,” and expressed concern about projects getting delayed, emphasizing a “need to create a fine balance.”

He added, “Both positions have compelling arguments.”

He advocated that it would allow the CAO to move ahead with discussions with Muskoka Lakes and Gravenhurst regarding sharing the Climate Change Coordinator position. He said, “Working with them is quite important.”

Councillor, Debbie Vernon, seconded the amendment, holding the Town accountable for climate action initiatives. She referred to the General meeting they had last week that included a report with goals for reducing GHG emissions by 45% by 2030.

Vernon said, “We need to start doing some work sooner than later.”

She reminded Council members about the Town calling a climate emergency in 2021, and suggested they move ahead with the municipal collaboration for the climate change position. She said, “We need to get started now and not wait another year and a half.”

While other council members agreed, Councillor, Archie Buie expressed concern about using surpluses that may be needed.

He said, “If things go as planned, we have built $4.1 into next year’s budget,” and questioned the impact the positions can have.

Director of Finance/Treasurer, Paul Judson, advised that the Business Plan is designed to help “scope costs” and emphasized that one position is shared with the other municipalities. He said they won’t know the impact of costs until they have discussions with them, however, staff can provide updated financial information to show the variance in 2025.

Buie questioned the matter. He said, “I don’t think this is the right way to run a municipality and we are at a time where we are very, very, very restrained in this municipality… I don’t think it makes good financial sense.”

Mayor, Rick Maloney, clarified that the amendment is for an analysis and financial impact implications, which will provide more clarity about the impact once they receive it.

Buie argued that the Town’s debentures have already been established, therefore, “that makes more pressures on our financial situation.” He suggested that the reserves are “diminishing.”

He continued that they should have presented the request during budget discussions.

Council agreed that the upcoming analysis will provide more information for them to consider and adopted the 2025 Draft Budget with the amendment.