Barrie City Council was presented with the city’s service partner’s budget requests.
The Barrie Public Library (BPL) presented first as representatives spoke to council about the 2017 successes and challenges. Many of the successes had to do with a 29 per cent increase in electronic resources in the two current branches in Barrie, and the expansion of programs such as musical instrument and recreational items borrowing. Ray Duhamel is the chair of the BPL and while positive about the library's future, there were needs that he felt should be looked at.
"We have seen a rise in incidences on-site from 2016 being 272 to last year being 438," said Duhamel. "We would like to invest in outdoor speakers which we have seen in other cities be a deterrent for loitering and the bad seeds hanging around. Another main thing we feel is necessary is full-time security. We need everyone to feel safe while enjoying our services and want all to feel welcome, including those who maybe previously weren't coming in and experiencing all we have to offer."
The BPL budget presentation saw the library look for an increase of $297,899 or that of 3.99 per cent from last year. The main questions from council centred around the security issues as it seemed to be a concern as BPL CEO Marc Saunders spoke on what exactly the security concerns have meant for the facility that strives to be a hub for the community.
"We have reports of people who live minutes from the Downtown branch and have told us that they would rather drive to the south end's Painswick location," said Saunders. "We know that our downtown spot is a great spot for everyone but the stigma is that of the area being undesirable. I know that we are centred in a location close to many organizations that help folks who are experiencing some tough times in life whether it homelessness or drug addiction as well as we are just in an area where people from out of town get off the bus without anywhere to go; we turn into the spot where everyone is looking for shelter and warmth. That said, we also see that some of those folks are using the resources which shows us that we are needed and can improve our services."
One of the services being discussed by the BPL is that of a worker on site to deal with anyone who may need assistance.
Barrie Police Chief Kimberley Greenwood spoke on behalf of the city's police budget which is seeking approval of municipal funding at $51,814,867, which is a 3.5 per cent increase over last year. Greenwood was optimistic on all the things that the Barrie Police will be looking to offer in the coming year.
"We have two new constables joining us for the first time since 2012 which we are very proud of," said Greenwood. "With that comes the increased fee in uniforms and equipment for them as well as the benefit increase. We also have more happening than most see with regards to incidences. We have answered to five homicide cases and missing persons incidences, but we have responded to approximately 34,000 calls for services, have had 2,500 prisoners through our jails, and laid approximately 6,000 charges against 3,000 people; so there are many things happening in the city that most don't see and that our officers are doing well to handle."
The last budget presentation this evening was that of the County of Simcoe. In addition to looking to improve many social and community services that they provide, the County of Simcoe aims to improve their paramedic services with the purchase of the Angus paramedic station as well as the construction of an Elmvale site. The county is also hoping to improve their long-term care, particularly in the senior services area through recruitment and retention.
Council will look to approve all budgets next Monday with a final ratification vote on Monday, Jan. 29.
