Council talks budget with Chamber of Commerce

A long and protracted (in-camera) scene was played out during Monday evening's regular City Council meeting.

The meeting had four major public presentations, with budget negotiations occupying the much of the council process throughout the evening.

Council saw a presentation regarding the 100th anniversary of St. Vincent de Paul, with discussions pertaining to repairs and maintenance of the church.

Affordable housing was next on council's agenda, with The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB), submitting their presentation in the form of a slideshow, which advocated for decreasing poverty within the city.

In addition, North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce President Derek Shogren made an impassioned appeal to council to rein in budget costs in the form of lowering pay increases for city workers.

Shogren was hoping to sway council to the idea of holding a much lower property tax increase, giving councillors the message that during difficult times, the city can't be met with continuous spending increases that don't match the rules of inflation.

Finally, the Capitol Centre made a presentation regarding their upcoming Wine Gala, their biggest annual celebration, which takes place on November 23rd.

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