The Sundre Health Professional Attraction and Retention Committee is receiving $19,000 from the Town of Sundre for doctor retention and recruitment.
Sundre council approved providing the funds from unnamed operating reserves during the council meeting on July 7. However, Coun. Myron Thompson was opposed.
“We expect to spend about $10,000 on annual retention activities, and $40,000 on attraction activities,” Gerald Ingeveld, chairman of the committee, wrote to town officials.
“For income, we expect to receive a similar amount to last year of around $2,000 from local groups and businesses, and we will also receive a refund of $10,000, as one physician will not complete his full three-year commitment.”
Past expenses have been paid for by board members, medical clinics in town, and local donations, he said.
“This year, we need to increase our retention activities, so we are also seeking some municipal funding. As well, this year we are looking to recruit two new physicians.”
During the meeting, town administration officials provided funding options to council, including unnamed operating reserves and unnamed surplus.
Officials estimated there will be roughly $60,771 in unnamed operating reserves at the end of December.
“It is wise to keep at least $50,000 in unnamed operating reserves at all times in case of an emergency or unplanned expense occurs and money is needed immediately,” Wanda Watson-Neufeld, the town's director of corporate services, reported to council. “Administration is recommending this option to council.”
Officials pointed out that impacting taxes and reducing the proposed budget are no longer options at this time of year.
The committee also requested $19,000 from Mountain View County council; however, council deferred the decision to Sept. 15.
If approved, the funds would come from the county's newly approved health initiatives program, which can provide a total of up to $62,500 to local projects and programs in 2014.
The program was approved on July 9 and has an application deadline of Sept. 15.
On Jan. 7, 2013, Sundre council approved a request from the committee for $54,000, provided from surplus funds. The committee received the same amount from the county.
The funds were provided to six new doctors, at $18,000 each, to provide the equivalent of rent for one year in Sundre, according to Ingeveld.
The committee has been active since 2011 and has recruited several doctors to Sundre.
- With files from Dan Singleton
