Penhold was successful in slashing its budget down to a zero per cent tax increase, giving the $8.7-million fiscal plan Jan. 28.
The blended 2013 budget was approved unanimously and accounts for operating and capital costs.
ìWe took a stab at it,î Mayor Dennis Cooper said, noting the tax rate won't be official until the municipal tax assessment is done. ìRight now we have a zero per cent tax increase.î
Following a public consultation process Nov. 19, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 council incorporated resident input into its figures.
ìWe opened it up so they could ask questions,î Cooper said. ìIt was great to hear their input and their ideas at the end of every budget meeting.î
The $1.8-million capital project budget includes $40,000 for the fire department, and to top up the fire reserve, $209,320 for road upgrades, ensuring the Waskasoo Streetscape is taken care of. Nearly $400,000 will go to the storm system (Lee Street, Robinson Avenue, Lincoln Street), $775,000 will go to the water pumping system upgrades, $5,000 towards a patrol car vehicle replacement, $36,000 to support the sewer system by funding a half-ton truck in the vehicle replacement program, $231,000 will go towards recreation, $23,000 for the arena, specifically to flooring, and to the shed and chairs, and an additional $8,000 for gym chairs.
There was an $18,864 total cut in legislative costs from the previous budget version, representing a 20 per cent reduction in mayor's and councillors' meeting fees, $2,500 was removed from FCSS due to reduced office administration, and shed funding dropped to $5,000.
Council set Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. as a public open house to explain the particulars of what the budget will mean for projects and services on the ground.
Of the $1.8-million capital projects, $1.1 million is funded.
ìWe're going to have to borrow $391,000,î said Rick Binnendyk, Penhold's chief administrative officer. ìWe have a modest surplus for the budget.î
