Essex County Warden Tom Bain doesn't think accounting or reporting changes are needed at the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation after it was revealed this week $2.3-million of tax funding went unspent.
Bain says he knew the money was building in a reserve, but didn't expect the dollar figure to be quite that high.
"I was surprised initially, but certainly pleased that it's going to be refunded back to the city and county and keep the amount that we need," says Bain.
Board chair for WEEDC Marty Komsa says business efficiencies, partnerships and government grants have helped realize the savings. The economic development group is keeping $600,000 for unforeseen costs while refunding the rest back to the city and county which fund the corporation.
Bain feels the corporation has been using its funding wisely, but doesn't think the reserve should build up as strongly again.
"We'll keep a closer eye and make sure it doesn't build as high," says Bain. "They were out there trying to bring in jobs and using that money, but certainly when you get government grants you use those first."
Bain says county administration will bring a report back to council to see how the refunded money will be used.
