More flexibility is needed for municipalities in spending relief funding received from both the federal and provincial governments.

That’s the motion adopted by city council last night.

It’s author Councillor Bill Vrebosch says the funding should have less restrictions and be similar to what the city can do with federal gas tax moneys.

“We would like it to be able to put it where we need it. Don’t have a bunch of rules and we would like the same rules as the gas tax,” he says.

The motion will be sent to federal and provincial officials.

The motion comes on the heels of a report showing the city with a $1.7 million deficit highlighted by revenue losses of 5.3 million. Councillor Dave Mendicino says there is some good news.

“We can see that can be covered by reserves. The good news is we’ve able to withstand the impact of the pandemic and deal with it in the 2020 budget,” he says.

Staff were able to come up with $3.6 million in efficiencies to lessen the impact of the loss.

(photo by station staff)

Filed under: Bill Vrebosch, Federal Gas Tax funding, North Bay City Council