Moment with the Mayor: A Potpourri of Stuff

Hi Neighbours:

This past Sunday, the puck dropped to start the World Junior “A” Challenge. The hockey promises to be pretty good and tickets are still available so you can see the stars of tomorrow.

Council held our last regular meeting last week and we were able to pass the 2015 budget, in principle. In principle because we have to wait for SAMA to provide the assessment numbers so we can determine the mill rate. I hate to say it, but we have not been able to lower taxes and still build, fix, and program everything we would like to accomplish. The budget calls for a 3% increase. The increase is just above the rate of inflation. I have written before we will be seeing an increase in salaries; the union contract expired and had to be renegotiated and we did a salary review for senior staff. Our senior staff salaries were too low and, as a result, it has prevented us from hiring a Director of Community Services. Another example of rising costs is RCMP services, which are increasing by 8%.

I am proud to say that we passed the Anti-bullying Bylaw as well. Michelle Webber, the Executive Director of the West Central Crisis and Family Support Centre gave a powerful presentation. She shared with us that 7 people in Kindersley have attempted suicide in the past two months with bullying being a strong motivator in their decision. Another sad story was of a little girl, 7, who was being bullied to take pictures of herself topless for her peers. This bullying and harassment is unacceptable. Why does this happen? Why do people demean, bully, and harass others? These are rhetorical questions but our response cannot be rhetorical. We each have a responsibility to identify when bullying takes place and in changing attitudes so that it does not continue.

How can we create a culture where people can succeed when this anti-social behaviour is happening? Let’s work together to find solutions.

Council also approved the Town being able to borrow $1 million to cover cash flow challenges. Revenue does not come in on a consistent basis to cover the Town’s expenditures resulting in cash flow problems. This is a normal course of business and the Town has been doing this for a long time.

Have a good week, enjoy the festivities, and stay safe in the winter conditions. Merry Christmas!

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.