Moment with the Mayor: The 2014 Budget

Hi Everyone:

During our meeting April 28^th Council passed the 2014 budget with an approximate increase of 5.5%. We are facing a lot of infrastructure challenges and this budget addresses those challenges. However, I have to admit I wish we could do more. Here is a quick breakdown of what we are doing.

·         The operating budget was cut 3.1%.

·         Capital investment totals ~$5 million comprising ~30% of the budget.

     ·         Fire Hall $250,000

     ·         Regional Landfill $250,000

     ·         Phase 2 West Central Community Centre $112,000

     ·         Town Square was given more than $50,000

     ·         Roads, Utilities, lift stations, etc are the remainder

·         Loan Repayments for the water line from the South Saskatchewan River and the Water Tower total $718,000

·         Reserves are being replenished and bumped up $750,000

·         Deferred items include:

     ·         An ice deck for indoor soccer and other sports ~$200,000

     ·         Dehumidifier ~$80,000

     ·         Replacing the sprinklers at the Events Centre ~$200,000

     ·         Replacing the street sweeper ~$200,000

Council is awaiting the long term financial plan so that we can project forward revenues needed to address the challenges we face for both existing infrastructure and new infrastructure for growth.

To better control the budget Council adopted last year the Community Grant. Over the last few years the average amount given to community groups has been $15,000. Starting last year Council capped grants to $750 to 10 groups twice per year totaling $15,000. As a result we are excited that more groups are applying for grants. The down side is that there are groups who may not receive as much as they would like. The Town is under a lot of financial pressure and we are not able to be as generous as we would like. 

Personally, I would like to be able to give the Legion and the Rodeo more money; but, from where do we take it? We have set a limit for total grants and individual grants and all groups must apply for funds and are subject to the same criteria.

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. You can also check out my blog at http://mayorjohn.blogspot.ca/. I appreciate your feedback.