Maintenance of new Unity Circle could fall to taxpayers

The town will revisit the issue at a future date

Huntsville General Committee agreed to consider charging taxpayers for ongoing maintenance of the new Unity Circle installation, in the April 30, 2025, meeting.

Staff provided an update about the Huntsville Community Fund (HCF) including recommendations for programs and initiatives to be implemented using the fund, such as retention of healthcare professionals and the installation and ongoing maintenance of the recently approved Unity Circle.

Councillor, Helena Renwick, suggested that contrary to Council’s original commitment to keep the maintenance costs of the Unity Circle funded through the HCF it will be a Town asset and therefore they should change the responsibility of the costs to taxpayers.

She said, “It doesn’t need to come from the fund” because the Town already has an ongoing maintenance fund for all of its assets.

She continued that when they originally approved the design it was on the ground, however, now it will be above the ground and not requiring as much maintenance, so they should “remove that portion” from the HCF.

Councillor, Scott Morrison, agreed that the new installation won’t require as much maintenance, and said it will also leave them with a surplus compared to the original location.

Deputy Mayor, Dan Armour, suggested to set the installation up first and see how it goes. He said, “Let it play out and ensure no cost to taxpayers…how it was originally set up.”

Renwick reiterated, “It will become an asset to the Town and why shouldn’t it be paid by the taxpayer?”

Morrison reminded her that they initially said it would be at no cost to taxpayers going forward, and agreed with Armour that they can revisit the matter once it’s set up.

Renwick said, “We should revisit it because it’s something that’s an asset.” She agreed that they originally said no cost to taxpayers “but it’s inclusive and for the Town.”

Morrison agreed that although the new location will allow for more community involvement, inclusiveness and tourism they don’t have to make a decision on the matter today about changing the responsibility of future costs.

Committee approved the staff recommendations about the fund and where the donations will go and will revisit the responsibility for ongoing maintenance moving forward.