Irricana council has tentatively agreed to a $2.2-million operational budget that will see $20,000 more than last year put into reserves.
The budget is about 5.9 per cent higher than last year’s.
Despite the increase, Irricana CAO Alvin Melton said the budget is still moderate.
“This year’s budget puts services back to a level similar to what the town had in 2011, the splash park and skating rink will be functional, more funding will be available to the library, staffing levels will only be about 80 per cent of what they’ve been for the last six years, but we will continue to provide the personalized service that you can only get in a small town,” he said.
Taking into consideration the priorities and needs of the municipality for the next three years, council carefully considered the amount of funding that should go into the Town’s programs and services.
“My hope for 2013 is that we can restore some of the services that were cut in 2012 to give our residents the programs and services that they want and missed in 2012 and still remain one of the most efficient municipalities in the province,” said Deputy Mayor Larry Martin.
“I am also very excited that we are moving forward in enhancing our reserves for future infrastructure and that we can start saving today for improvements down the road to our water, sewer, and roadways that will need enhancement in the years to come.”
Under the Municipal Government Act, every municipality must adopt a yearly operating budget and are not permitted to budget for a deficit.
The operating budget is an estimate of how much the municipality needs to spend to meet its ongoing financial obligations and provide programs and services to the residents.
“At the next council meeting (Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.) I will be giving a presentation on how Irricana stacks up financially against other like-sized communities and giving a detailed explanation of the services and programs that are included in the 2013 budget,” said Melton.
“We hope to see everyone interested in the 2013 budget come out to the next meeting or contact council with their thoughts.”
Irricana Budget Overview:
External Costs
• External power costs have increased 12 per cent (approximately $8,000) in the last three years
• Increase in requisitions from town (fire and library) is estimated at $20,000
• The cost of gasoline has gone up 15 per cent ($2,000) from 2010 to 2011
2013 Operational Budget
• Proposed expenditures of $2.2 million with $1.2 million in offsetting revenues excluding property taxes, and $940,000 in municipal property taxes to achieve a balance budget
• 7.6 full-time equivalent staff in 2013 budget (10 in 2012)
• Account for cost of living (2.9 per cent in 2011) external cost increases
• Inclusion of splash park and rink
• Invest in maintenance of infrastructure
• Increase bylaw services to $22,000 to acquire contracted traffic services
• Increase the library and Marigold spending to $20 per capita ($11.50 in 2011)
• Increase in election costs by $4,500
• Increase budget five per cent to $2.2 million
