Minutes of the Budget Committee Meeting

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 5:00 P.m. - 6:00 P.m.

Council Chambers

2nd Floor - Town Hall

Members Present:

• Reeve Emon, 
• Councillor Legris, 
• Councillor McWhirter, 
• Councillor McDonald, 
• and Councillor Cybulski 

Members Absent:

• Mayor Sidney 
• and Councillor Dick 

Staff Present:

• Director Bishop, 
• Town Clerk Errett, 
• Director Guest, 
• Director Hodge, 
• Coordinator MacMillan, 
• CAO Raybone, 
• Manager Schauer, 
• and Director/Deputy CAO Withers 

Town of Renfrew - YouTube Meeting Stream

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A.

Call to Order

The Budget Committee was called to order at 5:07 p.m. by Reeve Emon. 

A.1

Roll Call

A.2

Land Acknowledgement

B.

Declaration of Interest

None were noted. 

C.

Public Budget Presentation

A public budget presentation was provided, reviewing the 

D.

Public Meeting - Budget Committee's Draft 2026 Budget

Following the staff presentation, the floor was opened for public comments. The following was noted:

• Ron Kilby (Mayhew St.): Raised concerns about his tax bill increase and noted a large increase in his final billing. Clarification was provided that the tax levy is not finalized when interim bills are issued and the final bill represents the tax levy for the year. Concerns were also noted about the Ma-te-Way project and overages.

• Debra Wallace (Stevenson Cres.): Expressed lack of impact analysis and suggested a zero-based budget review to identify priorities, reduce costs, and seek partnerships. Raised concerns about high building costs and the Town’s financial position. Council sought her clarification on zero-based budgeting and experience with its application.

• Andy Boldt (Erindale Ave.): Believed the Town was in a financial crisis, noting that current and proposed budgets are unsustainable given stagnant growth and halted development. Recommended rejecting the draft budget and creating a long-term financial plan with benchmarks and risk analysis. Questions were raised on staffing levels, municipal comparisons, and MPAC reassessment timelines. The Reeve and staff addressed MPAC, asset management, and multi-year budgeting considerations, details of which will be included in the released Q&A following the meeting.

• Bruce Rozycki (Stevenson Cres.): Believed the budget to be unreasonable and unsustainable, and asked how asset management requirements will be met. Urged caution regarding reducing FTEs, noting that contracted services can sometimes lead to higher costs. Expressed concern about rooftop heaters at 1 Innovation Drive and recommended further analysis to verify end-of-life requirements.

• David Ainsworth (Opeongo Rd.): Agreed the Town faces a crisis, highlighting Ma-te-Way’s financial legacy and urged bold leadership, proposing a zero tax increase for five years to set an example.

No further comments were received from the floor, and the public meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

E.

Minutes of Committee

• Resolution: BC-25-11-01
  Moved by: Councillor Legris

  That the minutes of the Budget Committee held on October 20, October 27, and October 31 be approved as provided.

  Carried

F.

Upcoming Meetings of Committee and Council

Next scheduled Budget Committee Meetings include:

• Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. 
• Monday, November 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. - Final

Regular Meeting of Council - Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.

G.

Adjournment

Time of adjournment: 6:15 p.m.