Sarnia's mayor wants to know what the County of Lambton is doing to offset lost revenues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mike Bradley is asking county council to consider hiring freezes and other measures when it meets virtually Wednesday, May 6.
"A week ago Sarnia council unanimously reduced costs by $1.7 million, and it was very difficult to do, but they realized that we had to prepare ourselves for what's going to be ahead as it relates to people being able to pay their property taxes and for them to keep their businesses open, if they can reopen," said Bradley. "So, I've asked the county, 'what are you doing?' and I've focused on the same areas that we have at the city, which is [not hiring] seasonal, students and for positions that aren't filled."
Mayor Bradley said the county has three times the number of employees than the city.
"I believe that they need to show that they're willing to take some steps and that they understand that property tax bills have to go lower as we get further into this COVID storm."
Warden Bill Weber said finance staff are working on a report for county council's May 6 meeting.
He said while it is true unbudgeted expenses have been incurred, and Provincial Offences Act revenues will be lower, three-quarters of the county staff are deemed to work in essential services and the province has announced significant additional funding for such services.
Layoff notices were handed to 124 staff in the cultural services division in early April, but some took on new roles to support other required services.
Warden Weber also said only required summer students will be hired, employment vacancies will be filled only as required, and discretionary expenses like travel and professional development are frozen.
He said he doesn't think it's necessary, as Bradley suggests, to reopen and reconsider the 2020 budget.
-With files from Dave Dentinger
