The deluge of snow that has fallen upon Olds in the past three months could mean the zero per cent tax increase approved in the town's budget in December could go out the window.
Norm McInnis, the town's chief administrative officer, said in an interview on Jan. 10óas crews were still clearing snow around the communityóthat because the cost of snow removal services this fall and winter exceeded the town's budget for such services, town staff may have to push for a tax increase to cover such costs.
ìIt's very likely that we'll be going back to council for a spring adjustment to the budget before the tax rate bylaw is written to put some money back into our snow reserves,î he said, adding that every additional $75,000 the town seeks roughly equals a one per cent tax increase.
ìI wouldn't be surprised if we go looking for a quarter of a million dollars replacement into the snow reserves.î
In December, the town spent $134,243.81 for snow removal contractors and the overall total spent in 2013 for such services was $253,301.71.
The town's budget for the services of snow removal contractors was $78,280.
The good news, McInnis said, is the town has developed a database that matches people who need help clearing snow from their properties with people willing to carry out such services.
People in need of snow removal services, or those wishing to help out, can call the town office at 403-507-4847.
While McInnis said crews are doing the best they can to clear snow from community roadways, he is aware that some people have complained about the town's efforts.
One woman, who lives on Birch Road and asked only to be identified as Dawn due to the sensitivity of her job, said she has not seen any snow removal crews on her street this season.
ìThey've never, ever been down our neighbourhood, ever,î she said.
Having snow on the roads and sidewalks on her street has made getting around especially difficult for her daughter, who has cerebral palsy, Dawn added.
Although her daughter can walk thanks to a surgical procedure, the uneven ground caused by the snow on the ground makes walking in the area a challenge.
ìI have to hire a Bobcat ourselves just to come in and do the roads just so I can get her in and out safely,î Dawn said, adding it costs her family roughly $350 each time she has to rent the machine.
Dawn also said she has missed four days of work this season because snow was not cleared on her street and she feels the town needs to focus more on her neighbourhood.
ìWe're taxpayers just like everyone else.î
As of Jan. 11, there were signs indicating that snow removal work would take place in the Birch Road area and a windrow of snow was visible in the middle of Birch Road.
