By Cecilia Nasmith

In this week's review of the draft Land Use Planning and Inspections draft budget for 2022, Northumberland County's standing Economic Development, Tourism and Land Use Planning Standing Committee received two issue papers that reflected the growth of that particular division – neither of which will have an effect on the 2022 levy.

An additional staffer is needed and a truck must be replaced, Director of Economic Development, Planning and Strategic Initiatives Dan Borowec told the committee.

Inspection services are generating revenue, Borowec said.

“By the end of the third quarter, we have certainly achieved was anticipated to be the budgeted revenue for the entire year.

“What we are looking at is to utilize some of those funds for inspection services to buy an electric vehicle and include a charging station at 600 William St. I think it reflects our own organization's concerns for further efficiencies.”

And the volume of growth and efficiencies already achieved, he added, could accommodate an additional planner with no increase on the 2022 budget – though there would be an increase of about $95,000 starting with the 2023 budget.

“The key take-away is no impact to the county levy,” Land Use Planning and Inspections Services Manager Dwayne Campbell stressed.

“As you are aware, county inspection services operate without any levy dedication. It's strictly on fee-for-services that our staff is funded.”

The inspection vehicle currently in use was always slated for replacement after eight years' service, he said, and some of the money has already been set aside in a reserve fund. Factor in the volume of permits they handle, and there's more than enough.”

Campbell added that they would investigate the possibility of looking into other grants or incentives for the purchase, once the budget is finalized at county council.