County budget approved

Times Contributor 

 

It was a wrap on March 25 for the Final 2014 Operating and Capital budget, developed for Wheatland County.

Councillors approved the budget, with changes as presented by the General Manager of Corporate and Financial Service Pat Leitch. 

However, in discussion of the budget, Councillor Rex Harwood had some questions about the overall process of reviewing the budget.

“With this being my first budget, I guess I thought there might be a bit more of a review. The staff does go through great lengths to prepare this budget, but for some things I wasn’t sure when I could give my input,” said Harwood. “We are fortunate in this county that we can afford to meet department requests. I have got three years to get this right and by that time, I am going to know the ins and outs of the entire budget. I am not just going to accept what is in the budget; I want to know why it is there.”

Harwood has accounting background and he felt he would like more information and review. He recognised the onus is on him to get the information he requires, but he would to like to see a wants-and-needs list from each department and have at least one meeting that would evaluate the budget, to collectively look at areas that can generate savings. He said he would see if that might be possible for next year’s budget.

There was also discussion about hiring another peace officer, which was included in the 2014 budget. The action was defended in a business case presented by Sgt. Jeff Cyr, explaining an additional officer would help with an increased police presence on the road for commercial and non-commercial traffic, monitoring and ticketing of overweight vehicles, to decrease the amount of overtime currently occurring, create better response to noise complaints, provide coverage when other officers are in court, and area coverage because the county has a large geographic area. 

The department changed to a 12 hour shift schedule to increase efficiency, and an extra officer would ensure adequate staff was available to cover when staff were away on approved holidays, courses and leaves of absence. While the officer position isn’t currently posted, the budget was anticipating the need later this year.

Discussion also touched on equipment purchases and turnover times.

Leitch said adjustments were needed to the interim budget, to include things like the cost of living index that was set at 2.13 per cent for 2014, and changes to provincial MSI Capital funding and school levies that were released this March from the province. The staff managed to save money and enhance the budget by securing several grants. A formal report on the grants will be presented to council at a later date. 

Harwood said he was surprised about how much money they did secure through the various grants. He complimented them on their achievement. The Reeve commended the staff on their presentation of the budget material, as well. 

Reeve Koester said he appreciated Harwood’s ‘fresh eyes’ on the subject, as it kept everyone vigilant to provide the best service to county ratepayers. The 2014 budget will be publically available on the county website. The draft tax rate bylaw will go to council on April 1.