Staff proposals knock $120,000 off Complex deficit

The first draft of the 2015 budget for the East Elgin Community Complex included staff recommendations that would shave about $120,000 from the estimated 2014 deficit.

Members of the EECC Ad Hoc Committee discussed the draft 2015 budget at their Wednesday night, Sept. 24 meeting.

The forecasted deficit for 2014 was $588,964 while the 2015 draft budget called for a shortfall of $467,906.

The recommendations included closing one day a week (Monday) as of Sept. 1, 2015, reducing daily hour of operations by two hours, ending all hall rentals by April 31, 2015 and taking out the ice from both pads in June and July.

The voting ad hoc committee members, Aylmer Mayor Jack Couckuyt and Malahide Mayor Dave Mennill, requested staff make some minor adjustments to the draft budget before the committee meets again on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. at the Blue Line Room on the second floor of the Complex.

After the ad hoc committee approves the 2015 budget, a public meeting will be held.

After receiving comments from local residents and user groups, the draft budget would be finalized and sent to Aylmer and Malahide councils for further discussion, potential changes and eventual final approval.