Budget 2024 passed by council

In a recent municipal budget meeting, extensive discussions unfolded, shedding light on pressing issues that dominate the municipality’s agenda. 

Approved projects include the Coleman Washroom, Columbarium, Gazebo Park beautification, Hill Crest Ball Diamond completion (no soccer fields), Street Sweeper purchase, MDM exterior doors and fascia, a Water Feature and a pedestrian crossing light at 20 Avenue and 133 Street in Blairmore. 

There was a spotlight on the need for road repairs, with urgency surrounding the repaving of 22 Avenue, Blairmore. Concerns were raised about the roads current deteriorated state attributed to water damage, prompting a call for enhanced planning and budget allocation for repairs. The lack of clear cost estimates for the project sparked frustration among council members, emphasizing the potential multimillion-dollar investment required.

The decision to close certain RV dump stations, including the one in Blairmore, was another critical point of discussion. While this move raised concerns about accessibility for tourists and potential impacts on tourism, some council members suggested reconsidering the closure until further discussions and a comprehensive plan for RV dump stations could be developed.

Broader issues, encompassing the overall state of the community’s infrastructure, the significance of tourism, and the necessity for a comprehensive plan for road maintenance, were also delved into.

Moving on to finance services, an overall increase of about $8,000 was discussed. This increase was primarily driven by higher wages for 2024 and an elevated transfer to reserves, aligning with the ongoing strategy to build up reserves for future infrastructure projects and other needs.

Corporate services experienced a notable increase in training expenses, driven by a commitment to employee development. The transfer to reserves also increased to accommodate higher training expenses and ensure financial preparedness for future requirements.

In the IT department, a significant increase of around $81,000 was noted, primarily to cover updated software and hardware needs. Investments in cybersecurity measures were emphasized to safeguard sensitive municipal data.

Assessment and Taxation experienced an increase primarily due to the addition of a new position, reflecting growing demands for accurate and efficient property assessment and tax administration.

Moving to the Fire Department, a total increase of around $91,000 was discussed. This was attributed to the need for additional volunteer support and training to enhance emergency response capabilities. The increase in the transfer to reserves signified ongoing efforts to ensure financial readiness for unforeseen circumstances.

Notably, there is no external auditor for the current year’s budget, resulting in a decrease in contracted services. Various adjustments in contracted services, fees, and operational costs were detailed across different departments.

The budget presentation emphasized transparency and provided a detailed breakdown of variances within each department’s budget allocation. Concerns about potential burnout in community services due to increased responsibilities without additional staffing were also addressed.

In the latter part of the meeting, the discussion shifted to the ranking and funding of new initiatives. The council and the administration identified 22 recommended initiatives for funding, with a notable shift towards utilizing reserves and debt rather than relying solely on taxes. The meeting detailed various projects, including the Hillcrest Ball Diamonds, street sweeper trial rental, and the Gazebo Park project, with discussions about cost-sharing for asphalt services and incorporating a water feature.

Reserves, projected to be just under $10 million for 2023, were addressed, emphasizing caution about utilizing surplus funds from 2021 and 2022. Council members expressed worries about depleting reserves and stressed the need for a more realistic approach to budget planning. The allocation of funds among different communities within the region, particularly attention to Bellevue, was a point of discussion as well.

Despite the comprehensive deliberations, the meeting concluded with disappointment expressed regarding a delayed presentation from the skatepark design team, impacting the budget deliberations. The council agreed to continue discussions in upcoming sessions, underscoring the importance of detailed cost estimates and comprehensive plans for road maintenance and RV dump stations.

The 2024-2031 Draft Capital Budget includes $40.5 million in capital projects over the next eight years. This includes carry forward projects previously approved of $3.75 million moved to 2025 and about $2.4 million added to the 2024 Capital Budget as part of 2024 Recommended New Initiatives.

For Residential Property Tax rates, a house valued at $350,000 will see an increase in municipal taxes of $54.57 per year or $4.55 per month. For Small Business Property Tax rates, a property valued at $500,000 will see an increase in municipal taxes of $133.66 per year or $11.14 per month. For Utility rates, the estimated increase for the average household at two per cent is $24.82 per year or $2.07 per month.

Highlights of the 2024 budget include $942,000 in funding to community groups, over $3.3 million towards the 22 recommended initiatives, over $7 million for Capital Projects in 2024 and a two per cent increase to mill rate and utility rates.