City councillors have begun carving up the 2013 municipal budget, trying to find savings where possible.
The city's planning department was first up at Friday's budget committee meeting, and councillors were looking over budget items, almost line by line, trying to save pennies.
In one case, Coun. Denis Thibault suggested a $1,500 expenditure for a new computer in that department could be immediately cut.
"I've got a computer the city gave me that I don't use," he said. "You can take out $1,300 or $1,500 right there."
Big ticket items in the planning department were also examined. The planning department wants to set $100,000 aside this year to complete a review of Cornwall's official plan.
The review is mandated every five years, but the city hasn't done one in nearly 10. The official plan sets out the city's general policies for future land use.
It was suggested Friday the money for the review could be funded from municipal reserves, which could be paid back by the planning department over a period of two or three years - reducing its annual expenditures.
“I would somehow like that looked at seriously,” said Thibault. ”I’m not sure the timing is right (for the review).”
But planning manager Stephen Alexander said if council makes that decision, it can't change its mind later.
"You may be able to stagger it over two years…but once you’re into it…you can’t do year one and then give up," he said, adding consultants must be hired. "You’re really committed to the scope of work.”
