Budget
The Town of Minto Council has budgeted capital spending of about $4.2 million this year. The Town has received several grants to assist with capital infrastructure projects. In 2011, the primary grants received have been for Connecting Links from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and the final phases of the Rural Economic Development streetscape project. For 2011, the Town of Minto Council is continuing to complete the last part of several projects which were started or planned in 2009. No additions to outstanding debt are included in the 2011 budget. By the end of the year our principal payments on outstanding debentures will reduce the total external debt by a net amount of $985,000.
Capital Expenditures
Major capital expenditures planned for 2011 include the completion of the new fire truck for the Clifford station, pavement of an additional two kilometers of Ayton Road and a further reconstruction of three kilometers, repairs to the 3rd Line bridge, reconstruction of the Coon Creek bridge in Clifford, completion of the final phases of the Harriston sewer main upgrades, improvements to the ultraviolet system at the Palmerston sewer plant, another section of watermain replacement in Clifford, completion of the construction of the new water well in Palmerston, upgrades to the Clifford Community Hall, replacement of the brine pump at the Palmerston arena, further development of the Palmerston Lions Park, completion of the streetscape project and creation of a small park in downtown Harrison on a vacant property. Costs to operate the water and sewer systems are paid entirely by user charges, not property tax revenue.
Capital Projects by Department
Capital Projects by department as a percentage of total Capital Expenditures are as follows:
| Public Works | 46% |
| Water | 14% |
| Recreation | 13% |
| Economic Development | 11% |
| Fire | 7% |
| Wastewater | 6% |
| Administration & Other | 3% |
Town of Minto Reserves & Reserve Funds
The Town's Reserves and Reserve Funds are expected to be about $6.94 million by the end of 2011. The Town continues to receive substantial funding from our partners in the Federal and Provincial Governments, especially in the form of the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund grant of $1,292,000.