With two nights already in the books for the 2019 budget deliberations, Chatham-Kent council members are getting ready for the final few days.
Last week, councillors spent several hours debating over what will make it into this year's budget. Major infrastructure concerns have been addressed and council looked at ways to improve the community, including supporting funding for a physicians retention program.
Budget Chair Brock McGregor said he's happy with the way deliberations have gone so far.
"We had quite a bit of conversation, took us some significant to debate get to some of the decisions, which I think is a healthy process," McGregor said. "No real surprises."
According to McGregor, as they continue to work through the draft budget this week, council members still have to address additional funding items as well as looking at one-time funded projects. He adds that there is still time for councillors to bring up general motions as well.
McGregor said he expects there will only be one more night left of deliberations, but he's not prepared to make that a guarantee at this point.
"We can see any change that anyone's interested in and we can see that debated. That portion can be less predictable. It really depends on the members of council and what their ideas are for getting us where we want to be in the budget," said McGregor.
Deliberations will continue on Tuesday starting at 6 p.m. at the Civic Centre in Chatham.
