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The Town of Huntsville is currently facing a $310,000 operating deficit. An estimated $182,000 of its shortage is related to winter maintenance costs such as snow removal, sanding and sidewalk ploughing. While another $42,000 of its deficit is related to fleet maintenance and repairs. Its legal costs are also over budget by $35,000. The municipality is currently footing the bill for former economic development officer John Finley, who is facing charges of perjury and obstructing a police officer.
The municipality’s deficit is also related to Hydro One costs, which ran $24,000 over budget.
The deficit does not include $70,000 for the Ironman event, which will require additional funds as its organizing committee has not to date received the funding it was hoping for.
Town treasurer and manager of finance Julia Finch said that those funds would have to either come out of reserves or next year’s taxation revenue. “At this time Town staff are currently forecasting a deficit of approximately $310,000 (not including any deficit from the Ironman) and will continue to monitor expenses to bring this deficit down by year end,” she indicated.
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