City budget deliberation sessions underway

Finance Director Steve Brown said to be cautious, the city is planning for continued challenges due to the pandemic for the first half of 2021, and more improved revenues for the latter part of the year.

“We plan for the worst, and we are hoping for the best,” he said.

Brown added the city is continuing its efforts to reduce its expenses to save costs.

Representatives from the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce spoke to the city during the public forum about local businesses needing support due to the financial impact of the pandemic.

Chamber chair Harris Sutherland said many restaurants and hotels are struggling to stay afloat. He asked if it is possible for the city to work with businesses to help alleviate the cost of their property taxes to help them get through this difficult time.

Mayor David Gillan said the city is aware it is a challenging time for everyone.

“Obviously, these budget deliberations are just that. We are trying to sort out what we are going to do for 2021,” Gillan said. “We’re very mindful that COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in our community. We all live in the community as well. So we are well aware of the impact and the sensitivity around increasing cost right now.”

He said business as well as residents that own property are both hurting.

“It’s a difficult budget to deliberate,” Gillan said. “But we are going to do our best to do what we think is right.”

Also, during the deliberation meeting, representatives from several non profit organizations made requests for third party grants for the year ahead.

The Empty Stocking Fund is requesting $6,500, North Battleford Transit System $252,000, Battlefords Handi-Bus System $83,304, the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts $235,000, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Battlefords – capital $15,000, and Summer Playground program $30,000. Grant requests were also made by Concern for Youth $5,000, Midwest Food Resources $5,830, North Battleford Golf and Country Club (short-term capital) $28,000, Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre $10,000, and The Lighthouse North Battleford $25,000.

The organizations gave presentations about their needs for the year ahead, as well as the impact from the pandemic.

Also requesting third party grants are the Battlefords Humane Society for $150,000, the Lakeland Library $361,024, the North Battleford Library $153,560, Destination Battlefords $118,458, Battlefords Trade and Education Centre (BTEC) – capital grant $10,000, River Valley Board $68,000, Catholic Family Services of the Battlefords $2,500, and Citizens on Patrol for $1,000.

The city’s next budget deliberation meeting is Dec. 7.

Council will decide on the requests when it is expected to approve the proposed budget later this month, or early in January, 2021.

–

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

by Angela Brown

City budget deliberation sessions underway

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