Grey Highlands deputy mayor part of new team for 2025 budget

Grey Highlands Deputy Mayor Dane Nielsen will be one of five members of the brand new Grey County budget and finance committee.

At its meeting on Dec. 14, county council approved a staff report containing the terms of reference for the brand new committee that will begin meeting in March 2024.

“With the increasing complexity and size of Grey County’s operating and capital budgets, there are many benefits to establishing a smaller sub-committee that can work alongside staff throughout the year and make recommendations on the development of the county budget,” CAO Kim Wingove said.

The warden and four members of county council will sit on the committee to be joined by the CAO, deputy CAO, treasurer/director of finance and deputy treasurer.

Nielsen will be joined on the committee by Warden Brian Milne, Owen Sound Deputy Mayor Scott Greig, West Grey Mayor Kevin Eccles and Chatsworth Mayor Scott Mackey.

Nielsen said he is looking forward to having the opportunity to delve deeper into the county’s budget and financial structure.

“As Grey County deals with a challenging budget this year, the decision to put together a finance committee of council is needed. The county plans to move forward with a multi-year operational budget plan, this will help the county make long-term plans on how to provide the services our residents have come to expect,” said Nielsen. “I am excited to further understand the complexity of the budget at the county and ensure sound fiscal plans are put forward.”

Responsibilities on the new committee will include:

• Providing input into the creation of the county’s first multi-year operating budget.
• Reviewing the draft operating and capital budget documents before the preparation of the budget package for council.
• Reviewing operating and capital budget reports every quarter.
• Recommending the annual schedule for capital and operating budget preparation and presentation for council approval.
• Reviewing financial and fiscal policies, practices and procedures as required.
• Review reports with significant financial focus such as development charges revenue, development charges background study, investment revenue, reserve fund studies, etc.
• Review the strategic asset management plan and policies, and make recommendations to council.