Kincardine council

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Kincardine council has given initial pre-budget approval to hire summer students in the municipality.

In committee-of-the-whole Wednesday night (Jan. 18), council was told that more than 40 students will be required, at a cost of $233,565 to fill out the roster of summer employment in 2012.

The following jobs are available:

• Public works - five students for 16 weeks (40 hours/week), budgeted $36,000, starting May 1
• Parks - six students for 16 weeks (40 hours/week), budgeted $43,200, starting May 1
• Ball diamond - one student for 18 weeks (40 hours/week), budgeted $8,100, starting May 1
• Horticulture - four students for 16 weeks (40 hours/week), budgeted $28,800, starting May 1
• Tourism - three students for 18 weeks (30 hours/week), budgeted $18,225, starting May 1
• Recreation - 22 students (variable length of time and hours), budgeted $99,240, starting mid-June

The overall increase over 2011 is 4.1 per cent, with the addition of one parks student.

The staff report indicates that pre-budget approval is being requested because last year, the budget was delayed and pre-budget approval was granted at the last minute in order to have the students hired and in place in time for their May 1 start date.

Financially, the municipality has typically paid the minimum hourly wage plus $1 to students; and minimum wage plus $1.25 to the two co-ordinators and four playground supervisors. The municipality has applied for grants in the past to help with the cost and last year, received $10,499.

Councillor Mike Leggett suggested eliminating the four-year financial recovery plan that council adopted last year, and add two students to conduct the termite inspection program, as outlined by the chief building official.

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Monday, January 23, 2012