Port Hope’s 2010 budget may have increased compared to last year, but according to Liz Araujo, Port Hope’s finance chief, it took a lot of hard work to get the budget down to a 5.9 percent, or $792,100 increase.

In a meeting held just recently, Araujo brought council members up to speed and asked for suggestions on how to improve the budget.

She notes that the increases for each department aren’t really significant or “damaging” so to speak. It’s the departments where revenues were low last year that are really applying pressure on the budget.

Council members deliberated in shutting down some items that were being funded by the municipality to reduce the budget. However, some councilors pointed out that removing these services would deal a big blow to Port Hope.

For example, a few councilors suggested taking down the flashing beacon at Port Hope’s Lakeshore & Wesleyville Roads in order to save $9000. But Council member Bob Fudge said taking it down would affect community members in the area who rely on it for safety purposes.

There were plenty of suggestions during the meeting and ideas went back and forth among the town’s councilors. Araujo said she had noted all recommendations and will be presenting an updated proposal on the next council meeting taking place on the 26th.

Staffs in Port Hope are working double-time to present the 2010 budget and have it approved as early as possible. On a meeting that took place on Tuesday, the topic of community grants came was discussed.

Grant applications received that meet the criteria set by policy have totaled at about $160,900. However, officials want to make some changes and have presented a few recommendations.

• Here’s a list of grant applications from different groups in the region.
• Capitol Theatre Heritage Foundation has requested the amount of $48,500
• The Heritage Business Improvement Area has sent in a request for $20,000
• The All Canadian Jazz Festival committee, which received a grant of $5,000 last year, was denied its request of $10,000
• The Northumberland Plowmen’s Association  sent in q request of $400, which was immediately approved
• The Physician Recruitment Committee’s request for $50,000 was put on hold until a presentation by a representative was made.
• The area’s Lawn Bowling Club has requested the amount of $20,000 for renovation costs. Council however has sent a counter-proposal for them to find other ways to get funds

Another budget meeting is schedule to take place next week on December 12, Tuesday.