(file photo/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

Budget 2021

Battleford Mayor pleased to see no tax increase in proposed budget for 2021

Dec 10, 2020 | 5:31 PM

The Town of Battleford council is getting ready to review the proposed budget for the year ahead at its upcoming meeting Dec. 14.

Administration is recommending a zero per cent increase for property taxes.

Mayor Ames Leslie thanks the management team for all the work that went into following council’s request to make it easier on taxpayers.

“Before the [municipal] election, the sitting council, just because of COVID and other things going on, had asked: What are the odds of looking at a very minimal tax increase, if not ultimately a zero tax increase for 2021?” he said.

Leslie said during deliberations administration came back, and was able to balance the budget with a zero per cent increase, while still maintain the level of service the community expects and desires.

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Leslie said he gives kudos to the administration team for being able to make that a reality.

Administration is also proposing no increase to utilities as well for the year ahead.

The budget deliberation meeting will start at 7 p.m. at the Alex Dillabough Centre, Main Hall, with limited seating available due to COVID-19 restrictions. Those who wish to attend are asked to register with the town in advance on Dec. 14. Masks are mandatory.

Holiday news

In keeping with the spirit of the season, the town is encouraging people to come and see the dazzling Christmas lights on display now at the downtown park by the gazebo.

Mayor Leslie reminds residents there will be an extra garbage pick-up during the Christmas week.

While the garbage pick up is normally bi-weekly in Battleford over the winter, the town plans to add another collection due to the higher volume anticipated during the holiday period.

“The week of Christmas is a full week of pick up,” Leslie said. “We’ll make sure that the bins aren’t overflowing.”

He said it is unfortunate most gift wrap is not recyclable, which would help reduce the amount of trash build up over the holidays.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW