Editorial
A budget should start as an item for infomation, And later become an item for acton

Contrary to popular, or cynical belief, budgets in King Township and other municipalities are not established by the bureaucracy, but by the taxpaying public, through their elected representatives.

These politicians are expected to set spending and taxing priorities according to such factors as what they perceive their constituents want and need, tempered by other obligations, such as to other levels of government, the courts, etc.

The bureaucrats come up with suggestions, based on their interpretation of what they think the politicians want to provide for their constituents, along with a professional knowledge of what is required in the community. As well, municipal staff sometimes has the job of delivering bad news, such as what some needed works, projects or services are going to cost, although they come up with ideas to cushion the financial blows.

It is from this realistic starting point that budgets are born, and after considerable thought, debate, soul searching and number crunching, a final document is prepared.

King councillors just started on that process Monday, so there is still a long way to go before it's complete.

No one has suggested that King raise its share of property taxes by 31 per cent. Township staff simply presented a scenario, and then offered an alternative to avoid it. That alternative involves borrowing and debt, which would normally not be the first choice of anyone. But in this case, there are sound arguments to be made in its favour.

Still, we can appreciate a certain amount frustration existing around the council table, as they come to grips with required road work concurrent with sewers going into King City and Nobleton.

This is Councillor Cleve Mortelliti's first budget since he took office, and he seems puzzled that more funds were not set aside to cover these expenditures, which certainly must have been anticipated. Whatever the explanation, his concerns are well-taken.

We can't help wondering how funds that had previously been frivolously spent could have come in handy right about now.

Perhaps this is a good lesson for Mortelliti and his fellow rookie councillor, Jeff Laidlaw, on the importance of looking ahead when money is being spent, and pondering whether the community is really benefitting from the expenditure.

For that matter, it's not a bad refresher lesson for the veteran councillors either.