Moment with the Mayor

Hi Everyone:

I wrote this during a 6-hour layover in Calgary as I returned from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Conference in Vancouver.

Today I am writing about an assortment of issues.

Here is a strange problem that Kamruz, our Town engineer, had to overcome: During preparation for the new sidewalk running from the Kindersley Inn to 7-11, we learned the road is too flat. Who’s ever heard of a road being too flat? The reason this is a problem is that, if the curb and gutter goes on the south side of the road, water will not have a place to run, and as a result, we’ll develop big puddles on 11^th. To address this, multiple low spots (11 in total) have to be created along the length of 11^th Avenue with appropriate drainage at each.

The Klippers are struggling and have come to Council asking for help. While in Vancouver, I met with the mayors of a number of SJHL teams and asked them how they have handled their respective teams’ struggles. Discussion was interesting and we plan to talk again. For the record: my wife and I have sent away to buy Klippers’ season tickets. The best way the Klippers can overcome their current hurdles is to sell more tickets.

The FCM Conference was a very good investment of time and money. Saskatchewan, if I recall correctly, is the only province that has not had someone sit as President of the Federation. Here are some things I have learned:

·         Many leaders believe municipalities have a fiscal crisis.

·         Kindersley has a $40 million infrastructure deficit over 20 years. How do we catch up? Council is looking at that as we develop our Strategic Plan, Long Term Financial Plan and a Long Term Infrastructure Plan.

·         We get a significant amount of our revenue from property taxes - a 19^th century tax tool. The Town is trying to get more cost recovery from facilities and services but, generally, we get less than 40% of our costs. Did you know that, in the US and Europe, municipalities receive as little as 20% of their revenue from property taxes?

·         Did you know revenue growth - or the tax load - has increased significantly for the Federal and Provincial governments compared to the Town? Consider this:

Years	Jurisdiction	Revenue Growth
1999 – 2003	Federal	12%
1999 – 2003	Provincial	13%
1999 – 2003	Municipal	8%

FCM is working on these issues and so are we at Council. Council, with Administration are trying rationalize our approach so the Town is working and spending smarter.

Please write or phone if you would like me to discuss a particular topic. If you have any questions or comments drop me a line at the town office or email me at mayorenns-wind@kindersley.ca. I appreciate your feedback.

Have a good week!