Pre-budget funds released

Times Contributor

 

When repeated requests for advance funding have been coming before council for decision, Councillor Rex Harwood asked for clarification as to why various purchases are being approved, prior to the finalization of the 2014 budget.

“Why are we handing out money before the budget is finalized,” said Harwood. “How many more of these will come down the line?” 

He suggested shifting the finalized budget year end, in order to eliminate the practise of authorizing expenditures before the budget is in place. 

“I think it would be better,” said Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Alan Parkin. “There will be more of these.”

Parkin explained finalization of the budget is usually done after the provincial government completes their mill rate tax assessments and finalizes what they will be delivering to the municipalities. He said the fiscal year end could be moved up to the end of December, but it would be better to implement that move for 2015. He said that an open house for residents and ratepayers to review the draft budget is set for March 11 in Standard, and that moving the year end could be put forward for feedback.

Acting Reeve Ben Armstrong clarified the practise was traditionally acceptable as part of the budget process. He said sometimes even larger amounts were approved, in the case of equipment purchases, so that staff could place orders that would ensure delivery in an expedient manner. This was supported by staff comments that equipment orders were delayed as much as six to eight months for delivery from order dates.

There were some smaller equipment requests included, and Councillor Brenda Knight suggested the CAO consider asking staff to hold requests for the smaller and less urgent items, until the budget is approved. The total request for the four equipment items was $113,500.

Later, council also approved the capital equipment requests that were outlined in the interim budget. The reasoning was the money comes from the equipment reserve and was not influenced by tax rate bylaws or mill rate increases. 

“The final 2014 budget may not be approved until April 1, 2014 which may be too late to have the benefit of the low price quotes that may expire before then,” indicated Transportation manager Dave Churchill. “The early purchase of equipment will also expedite the use of the new equipment for our construction crews in the spring of 2014.”

The equipment and the prices are on the www.wheatlandcounty.ca, under minutes for Feb. 4, 2013.

 

No room at the inn

Animal control officers asked council to add $6,000 to the interim budget to cover backup facility costs for off-hour temporary confinement of animals, prior to their delivery to the Calgary SPCA services.

Officers stated there were times ,like Christmas holidays or after hours on weekends, when retention of animals could not be accommodated by the humane facility or the Town of Strathmore municipal enforcement, as they were closed. 

“We don’t have a facility now to hold them,” said Sgt. Jeff Cyr. “There have been six to 12 times where the Humane Society was not open.”

The $6,000 request is based on past numbers, times an estimate of $50 a day kenneling flat fee, examination and parasitic shots, which totalled a potential estimate of $334 and costs if the animal is kept overnight. It also includes a buffer in case retention numbers increase for 2014.

The proposal was to utilize the Animal Care Centre in Strathmore for times when the humane facility was closed.

Councillors were tentative in the approval, reflecting a spontaneous request by the Town of Strathmore in 2011, indicating the facility fee of $250 would be required for holding the animals. They suggested a written contract be drawn, so no surprises would come back to council for approval.

“There is a history there,” said Parkin. “…but we have worked on that relationship over the years.”

“It needs to be spelled out, we need to look at it more because of the past issues we have had,” said Councillor Alice Booth. 

Councillor Harwood suggested including a one year timeline to the agreement, with clear fees and responsibilities defined in the agreement. The request was granted.

 

Rosebud Hall lease renewed

Council agreed to renew the $1 lease for property adjacent to the Rosebud Hall that is used for community purposes. The land contains the ball diamond and park. They also would be responsible for the payments on liability insurance for the property.

“The Rosebud Memorial Hall Association has been the steward of this land since 1975,” said Treasurer Richard Zachariassen. “It is an integral part of the recreation area that includes the community centre, playground and ball diamond.”

There was discussion whether the requested 50 year lease was appropriate, as most of the other county agreements were for 25 years. There was a suggestion of a five year lease; however, some councillors suggested it was too short and limited the fundraising and investment improvements the community would be prepared to make. Councillor Alice Booth confirmed that longer terms had helped her district secure community hall improvement grants in the past. 

Council decided a $1 rate for a 25 year term, with five year review, and a 90 day opt-out clause would be accepted.