As you will see in the paper over the next few weeks we have been busy planning a budget for 2011. I do want to thank the entire staff and council for their commitment to this process over the last month.
The end result to the taxpayer, in my mind, should be within reason. There will be a need for a three per cent increase to the municipal mill rate required to offset a three per cent reduction in general assessment of properties due to current market values.
In other words, on average you shouldn't see much change in your bottom line taxes payable. Keep in mind some areas of town may be affected differently than others based on the opinion of the tax assessor.
We were faced with new challenges this year bringing on a new library/community gathering centre into operations as well as following up needs for improvements to various community facilities. One of the most exciting projects being considered is the relocation and construction of the fire hall attached to the existing library building, once the library has moved to its new building.
The process will start with drafting of plans, enough to make presentation to the community and hopefully continue the process with construction in 2011.
Should the relocation of the fire department take place, and the senior drop-in centre is relocated to its new home in the new library, more space will become available for town administration services without adding to the building. This whole strategic facilities optimization plan is a positive direction to minimize cost of upgrading and expansion of our community facilities. Also in the budget is accommodation to construct additional public works facilities at the town yards.
Another project given considerable community input is to partner with Chinook's Edge School Division with the extension of a two-station gymnasium currently planned at the school site to a three-station facility (cost to the town $700,000). Council has made a budget commitment over the next four tax years for contribution to a reserve for this project, of course subject to a satisfactory joint use agreement being made with Chinook's Edge for community access to the facilities.
2011 is going to be a big year for planning the revitalization of the downtown commercial corridor starting in 2012. There will be a series of meetings with business owners and public hearings to maximize the benefit of this huge project, which extends from the 2A intersection to the tracks.
We have to make sure we work with every business affected by this project as well as all applicable governmental departments to maximize various funding and professional advisory opportunities. Parkland Community Planning Services will be heading up this project along with input from community groups.
These are just a few of the more predominant details of the budget. As I said earlier, the Province will be doing articles over the next few weeks to follow up progress on these various projects so stay tuned, and by all means don't hesitate to call the town office if you have any questions.
Jim Romane is the mayor of Innisfail
