Moment with the Mayor: 2015 Budget Highlights

Hi Neighbours:

During our Council meeting on May 11^th we will be passing our 2015 budget. Council passed a ‘Budget in Principle’ back in November but we were unable to finalize it until we received the final property assessment numbers from the Province. We are still looking at a tax increase at 3% or less (the increase the average house would receive). Here are some highlights of the proposed budget that is still subject to change:

·         On the horizon are some much-needed capital investments, so money is being put into reserve for the fire hall, pool, and sewage lagoon (the final numbers were being prepared as I wrote this column).

·         We are investing in road and watermain infrastructure maintenance, repair, and replacement (about $1.7 million).

·         About $1.8 million of work is being done to upgrade the Danielson lift station, with about $1.5 million of it paid by the developers.

·         The Town Hall will be receiving some deferred repairs on the roof and floors.

·         A new street sweeper is needed and Administration is looking at purchasing one for between $200,000 - $250,000 or leasing a new one.

·         $500,000 is designated for the new landfill ($250,000 of it from last year’s reserve)

·         The WCEC is eating up a lot of money this year, it is about 25 years old and in a peak period for maintenance:

     ·         $200,000 for new boilers;

     ·         $69,000 for a new ice rink controller; and

     ·         $74,000 for new fire suppression sprinklers (all of which are funded through existing reserves, grants, and/or the Town’s Capital Trust Fund)

     ·         Dehumidifier for $80,000,

     ·         Lighting upgrades for $74,000.

·         Connecting Brookhollow to the Town’s watermain system requires $165,000.

·         Several vacant positions, including the Director of Community Services, have been budgeted for.

·         This summer you will see a number of fire hydrants replaced. This will be a 5 year project at $50,000 per year.

·         RCMP contract fees are up almost 11% to $333,828.

We are still awaiting word as to whether any of our three Build Canada Fund applications (regional landfill, lagoon, and watermain replacements) will be approved.

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.