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durhamregion.com 6 The Citizen February 18, 2016 Council to discuss financial impact of addressing fire department's needs at Feb. 18 meeting Parvaneh Pessian ppessian@durhamregion.com WHITBY -- As Whitby council mulls over various items related to municipal expenses as part of this year's budget process, there's one crucial piece missing. A recent request from Whitby fire and emergency services for funding to address the department's immediate needs -- including the hiring of 20 firefighters and an additional fully staffed fire truck -- was not included in staff's overview of 2016 operating and capital costs, presented on Feb. 1. "There is nothing in this budget addressing the fire chief's address to council," said Regional Councillor Joe Drumm, referring to a presentation by Whitby Fire Chief Dave Speed of the Master Fire Plan, on Jan. 25. "I know the budget was complete or almost complete prior to the chief speaking ... (but he) spoke of now needs and needs of the future -- and now needs have to be faced in this budget," said Coun. Drumm. In 2015, Whitby fire relied on Oshawa Fire Services through a mutual aid agreement a total of 19 times. An additional 20 firefighters and one fully staffed fire truck will help address a gap in the emergency level provided to the Whitby community, the chief said. The Town is undertaking several studies to prepare for future growth, particularly in the west and north parts of Whitby. Chief administrative officer Bob Petrie will soon bring forward a report to council that outlines criteria for prioritizing upcoming capital projects, including those highlighted in the Master Fire Plan 2016-2025. In the meantime, Coun. Drumm said it's important that council addresses at least some of the needs of the fire department in this year's budget, even if it means a higher tax rate increase than expected. Staff is currently recommending a 2.99 per cent tax hike, which translates into an additional $44 per household on a property assessed at $351,000. A target of less than three per cent was set by council in the fall. "Certainly you're going to get some flack, no question about it, but ensuring we have a safe community now ... is the only way to go," said Coun. Drumm. Council instructed the CAO to identify costs associated with addressing the fire department's immediate needs at the next budget meeting, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. ryan Pfeiffer / Metroland Java Jolt BROOKLIN -- Kyle Paterson, director of operational analytics at Bryson Insurance and group facilitator of Java Jolt, spoke during the meeting at Lotus Home Interiors on Jan. 20. Java Jolt is an opportunity to discuss business with other local business owners in a laidback environment. Photo by Peter redMan New office opening WHITBY -- Dr. Kristin Varik, left, demonstrated low intensity laser therapy with Michelle Morency, owner of KnotsnJoints Wellness Therapy clinic, at the official opening of their new offices on Baldwin Street on Feb. 6. The clinic offers massage therapy, chiropractors, a pilates room and laser treatments and has a children's room. Whitby taxes could rise higher than three per cent target in 2016 Metroland file Photo BROOKLIN -- A recent request from Whitby fire and emergency services for funding for the departments' immediate needs will be addressed at the Town's next budget meeting. Last month, firefighters battled a blaze at 23 Thorndyke Cres.