Parameters have now been set for a new ward funding program for priority projects in each ward in Chatham-Kent.
Administration will seek council approval for a policy on Monday night and recommends $25,000 for each councillor and $125,000 for the mayor to be used for recreation, art, and/or culture capital projects.
A report with the proposed policy outlines the funds can only be used for those projects, which can be new projects or involve retrofitting, renovation, or refurbishment of current capital items.
According to administration, the funds must not be used to cover operational costs of any community group and if other funding for a project has already been approved through operating or capital budgets, the budgeted funds must be used before additional ward funds are handed out for the same project.
The amount of the funds is also subject to annual approval by council through regular budget deliberations.
Community groups can request financial assistance from the ward funding program, but individuals, businesses, industries, sports teams, schools, sole proprietorships, and/or any groups owing funds to the municipality are not eligible to maintain consistency with other municipal grants, wrote Manager of Corporate Initiatives and Communications Amy Wilcox in her report.
All projects approved to receive funds will be required to complete a grant agreement.
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