TOP 6 PRIORITIES FOR THE TERM:
1) Financial sustainability/self sufficiency – following the 10 year financial plan with modest tax increase(s)
2) Rebuild Terrace Lodge
3) Strengthen upper-tier/lower-tier partnerships (i.e. economic development, fire inspection services, aerial fire truck in east and west)
4) Invest in (rebuild) County infrastructure and maintain assets
5) Promote Elgin for business and attract people to communities – measure success of this through outcomes
6) Health Recruitment across the County
TOP 4 GOALS FOR 2015-2016:
1) Stay within approved budget with reasonable tax increase
2) Rebuild Terrace Lodge
3) Relocate Dexter Line
4) Convince School Boards of importance of rural schools to local communities
USE OF RESERVES TO REDUCE COUNTY LEVY:
Council demonstrated a moderate to high propensity to use reserves to lower the County levy
WILLINGNESS TO CUT SERVICES TO ACHIEVE A BUDGET TARGET:
Low to moderate inclination to cut services
TWO THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT COUNTY OPERATIONS:
1) Better communication and interaction with local municipal partners
2) Discuss fire services across the County
SWOT ANALYSIS RESULTS:
Primary Strength: Unified Council/Staff and common local interests
Primary Weakness: Low assessment/tax base
Primary Opportunity: Growing the business sector, particularly agri-business
Primary Threat: Lack of predictable and sustainable funding