Nov 05, 2009 - 04:30 AM

By Jeff Hayward

UXBRIDGE -- Uxbridge council has some "tough decisions" to make as it prepares to take a closer look at spending in each of its departments prior to setting its budget and taxation needs.

The Township has set its schedule for public meetings at Town Hall examining each of its departments, with the first session at 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16 to look at fire department spending. That initial session will be followed by a review of the development services (planning) budget on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 9 a.m. with the Uxbridge Public Library to be reviewed at 2 p.m. the same day; parks, arena and community halls will take centre stage at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18 followed by bylaw and animal control at 2 p.m. that day; public works will be reviewed at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, followed by clerks, chief administrative officer and treasury departments at 2 p.m.; culture and Uxpool will be the subject starting 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 20 wrapping up with a look at spending on councillors at 2 p.m.

Uxbridge recently hosted a budget open house, which drew a roomful of people unlike the abysmal turnout last year, informing residents about potential projects on the books for 2010.

"Last year we had four people. It's encouraging, people are getting interested," said Mayor Bob Shepherd.

Pressures affecting this year's budget include limited development, the overall economic situation, anticipated reduction in upper government funding and ongoing maintenance, according to the Township.

Uxbridge's treasurer Al Shultz said this may be one of the toughest budgets in a long while, with at least one councillor hoping to cap the municipal tax increase at two per cent.

"Council has some tough decisions," said Mr. Shultz.

One of the challenges involves a Region cycling plan which was discussed during a public works committee meeting Nov. 2. Uxbridge is faced with coughing up more than $60,000 next year for a Region bicycle route on Hwy. 47 (Toronto Street South) from Brock Street to Concession 6. Council debated whether a route would be used along that stretch, noting most cyclists use concession roads, but "we can't really bow out of it now," said Regional Councillor Howie Herrema. That item, one of many to be considered, was referred to the 2010 budget.

A new fire hall was also forecasted for 2010 but it appears that project won't begin next year.

"We'd have to go into debt," said Mayor Shepherd. "(The current hall) could be better, but it's working."