The City of Barrie payroll has grown by 325 people over the past 14 years and that concerns some city councillors.
"That's taking into account that there were some pretty nasty economic downturns during that time," Shipley said, question the request by staff to add staff in 2016.
"That seems high to me," he said. "It's a lot of additional people that we have to pay for. It made my eyes pop out a bit."
Shipley was questioning a staff recommendation to hire 21 new people this year.
"There are significant pressures," said Patti Elliott-Spencer, General Manager of Community and Corporate Services.
"We get a number of legislative requirements that require us to deliver new services that often go under the radar."
One example Elliott-Spencer highlighted was the provincial requirements for city buildings and services to be accessible.
New legislation now requires one staff member for each special needs child enrolled in the city recreation day camps.
"Sometimes there are pressures that you can't see," "I would say that given we have flatlined for 5 years ... we have probably fallen behind, but we have managed to maintain services over those years."
Councillor Bonnie Ainsworth also voiced concern about staffing levels, with labour cost increases (1.2 per cent) accounting for more than half the increased cost to maintain current service levels (2.1 per cent).
"That does cause me concern," Ainsworth said.
"Before we even get out of the gate to maintain service levels ... we are way behind before we get started.
"I don't know who is listening or who cares about it, but I just want to get on the record that I do."
Ainsworth also suggested staff include a summary sheet to show how much money is spent annually for contracted services that don't appear on the payroll.
Elliott-Spencer told council that staff increases spiked in 2007 when the Holly Recreation Centre was opened and again in 2010 and 2012 with the opening of a Surface Water Treatment Plant (approximately 10 employees) and Fire Station 5 (20 new hires).
"Without the resources, the work will not get done," she said. "We need the resources to move the work plans forward."
Council will continue debating the budget tonight and, possibly, later this week. Watch BarrieToday for updates.
