Confusion reigned in Day One of town council's budget deliberation over where new staff positions are proposed and what deliverables residents will receive in return.

Other items in the proposed 2022 operational budget were examined during the seven-hour meeting, but none received the same degree of scrutiny. 

The administration is seeking $1.5 million for new positions in the proposed $32 million operating budget. It's also calling for about $1 million for staff cost of living increases and market wage adjustments, plus union-negotiated increases.

It includes a 94 per cent increase in staffing costs for the CAO office, jumping to $931,857 from $478,844.

The three-year plan calls for an additional $1.6 million in wages in 2023 and $500,000 in 2024.

While some of the positions being created were articulated through the course of the seven-hour meeting, council sought a full list. It ended up in the 'parking lot', a term used by the council for items they will return to later in budget liberations.

CAO Mike Derricott said some of the positions haven't been fully determined at this point, but that they have a strong idea of where they would be added should the budget be approved.

Among those pressing for more details was Councillor Morgan Nagel. He said if the budget was strictly the result of inflated costs, he'd walk away satisfied.  But as the meeting advanced, he became increasingly concerned and wanted more details.

"What we're looking at is the biggest tax increase that I have ever seen as a town councillor, so I need to know why we're doing it."

The budget calls for a 21 per cent increase over three years and is based upon a seven per cent increase for three consecutive years.

The administration has called for increases in the past, but for several years, this council put through zero per cent increases.

Town administration says the town has now exceeded its sustainable capacity and the increases are needed to prevent the degradation of services.

Once that capacity is shored up, it would look at introducing new services.

On Nov. 22, the council is examining the proposed capital budget. Two more meetings follow on Nov. 23 and 25.