City Council Adopts 2025 Capital Budget

Friday, 13 December 2024 10:48

After much debate and conversations, the 2025 Woodstock Capital Budget has been adopted.

WOODSTOCK - It was a long process, but the 2025 Capital Budget for Woodstock is official.

City Council debated many motions, including one to take out the downtown streetscape project entirely. The motion was turned down by a recorded vote of 3-3. Councilor Kate Leatherbarrow removed herself from the vote as she runs a business in the area of the project. Mayor Jerry Acchione says why he could not support the motion.

"If you picture any city in your head, one of the first things that are going to come to mind is always their downtown. I believe the City of Woodstock deserves to have the pride back to feel safe, get better lighting, and of course a lot more accessible with our sidewalks."

Mayor Acchione mentions many differing opinions, but ultimately Council decided to keep the downtown streetscape project moving forward. Another motion that was put on the table regarded the Lions Pool. Councilor Deb Tait wanted to see the pool get revived and not demolished. Mayor Acchione says trying to redo the Lions Pool did not make sense from his viewpoint.

"Unfortunately, as Mayor and even as a Council member here, we can't always vote on memories. Lions Pool was fantastic, and the location I'm sure was perfect 75 years ago."

Mayor Acchione adds Van Ave has become one of the city's busiest streets, and there are only 12 parking spots at the location. He mentions no amount of money would be able to enlarge the parking lot or get the necessary number of AODA bathrooms needed.

Other items were in the 2026-2029 Capital Forecast, which got pulled forward and brought into the 2025 Capital Budget. Mayor Acchione says residents in certain areas of the City will see some streets fixed.

"For those living in the area of York Street, particularly between George and Adelaide that is being pulled forward and those repairs will be done. Powell Street reconstruction will also be pulled ahead and get done, but also the Adelaide Street Parking Lot will be pulled ahead and get resurfaced."

Mayor Acchione mentions he always respects the vote of Council and with that will not be making any veto motions to the decisions made during the meeting. He says at the end of the day it is a Council's budget as each item was discussed and voted on as individuals.