Capital budget with proposed increases passed

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

Aspen Crossing dedicated thStrathmore town council passed the 2016 capital and operating budget of $ 28,643,000, which included a municipal tax increase for 2016 of 2.5 per cent. A two per cent increase will be levied on new development properties. Homeowners will see about a $7 dollar increase in 2015 in their tax bill, over 2014.
The town recreational facilities are still in deficit by $2,135,000 dollars. Municipal operational grants for $79,059,200 were listed for things like policing, FCSS, and MSI. Community projects, Youth Centre, FCSS and Handibus services supported by the town were also listed.
An increase of $1.50 per capita, with $242,000 allotted to the library with an additional $77,700 given specifically to the Marigold Library System was supported. Future library funding requests will be presented to the town in January.
“One of the actions this council has committed to was to give our library the funds needed to move forward with their plans,” said Councillor Denise Pederson.
Total capital spending for 2016 is projected at $3,436,000, with $2,253,000 allotted for infrastructure improvements, along with additional emerging project.
Councillor Pederson requested that an additional $20,000 allotted for FCSS, to support outside community programs, preventing the loss of vital services. A needs assessment has been initiated to talk to stakeholders and identify needs in the community and assess the supports available to them. The needs assessment will be completed in 2016. The additional funds allotted in the 2016 budget will tide the services over until a 10-year strategic plan is in place. The funds will help special projects, such as Family Resource support in the schools, Growing Families, Bridging the Gap and Five for Life programs.
“This will give agencies a certainty, until their future needs can be assessed,” said Councillor Pederson. “Our FCSS is in its infancy and this will help them.”
Both administration and council work on formulating the budget prior to its presentation at council meetings.
“This is something we don’t take lightly,” said Councillor Bob Sobol. “Administration has worked hours and hours on this budget. Council has deliberated over 19 hours on this budget and it is not something we take lightly.”
Council thanked staff on their efforts regarding the development of the 2016 budget. The new budget documents can be obtained at the Town of Strathmore on request and will be posted online in the future.