Claresholm town council approves 2018 operating budget
By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer
Claresholm town council has passed its 2018 operating budget, containing a two per cent increase in tax revenue and tax requisitions.
The decision came at the March 12 meeting of town council, after a brief discussion.
The balanced budget breaks down as follows:
- Total council and legislative costs – $108,750.
- Total taxes, grants in lieu, and education taxes of $4,382,634 and general municipal revenue of $374,063.
- Total requisitions of $1,218,282 for education and seniors’ lodge.
- Net municipal revenue – $3,538,414.
- Administration – $1,303,084 in expenses.
- Fire fighting – $324,979 with $166,404 offset by revenue.
- Bylaw enforcement – $157,847, offset by $117,400 in revenue to be collected from provincial and municipal fines, and licences and fees.
- Common equipment pool – The equipment pool budget is $543,612, with $1,000 offset by revenue mostly from equipment pool rental.
- Roads, streets, walks and lights – The roads, streets, walks and lights budget is $813,029 with $915 offset through the collection of local improvement charges.
- Airport services – $18,174, with $5,000 offset in revenue through facility rental.
- Storm sewer utility – The storm sewer utility budget is $252,705 with $58,090 offset through the collection of local improvement charges and other revenue.
- Water supply and distribution – $1,641,067 in expenses, with $1,391,100 in projected revenue.
- Sanitary sewer treatment and disposal – The sewer budget is $523,995 in expenses, with $380,822 in projected revenue from local improvement taxes and sales and user charges.
- Waste management – The garbage budget is $386,073 in expenses, with $413,500 in projected revenue.
- Recycling – The recycling budget is $168,845 in expenses, with $173,500 in projected revenue.
- Day care – $38,202 in expenses.
- Family and Community Support Services – $233,446 in expenses and revenue for a balanced budget.
- Cemetery – $30,302, with $17,300 recovered in cemetery fees and a $3,000 grant from the Municipal District of Willow Creek.
- Physician recruitment – $10,000 in revenue and expenses.
- Weeds and pests – $48,501 for pest and weed control.
- Economic development – $345,110, with $91,500 offset in government grants
- Land planning and development – $182,764, with $20,500 offset in revenue from permits, and planning and development fees.
- General recreation – The general recreation budget is $135,967 in expenses, including $55,000 for the golf club management fee, and $8,993 in recreation debenture interest, offset by $29,600 in local government grants.
- Parks – The parks budget is $322,149, with $64,000 offset in revenue from park camping fees.
- Arena – The arena budget is $242,988 with $62,000 offset in revenue from rentals and arena advertising.
- Aquatic centre – The aquatic centre budget is $290,649 with $136,815 offset in revenue including swimming lessons, gate admission and pool rental.
- Museum – The museum budget is $147,651 with $51,965 offset in revenue, mostly from grants.
- Library – The library budget is $240,766
Wages and benefits increased three per cent.
A total of $150,000 has been budgeted for a regional fire study, which will be offset by a provincial grant.