Town council looked at tax collection progress, as part of the financial update, at Monday's meeting. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Financial update

Town making progress with tax collection efforts

Oct 18, 2022 | 3:54 PM

The Town of Battleford is making a lot of progress with its tax collection efforts this year.

At council’s meeting Monday, Finance Manager, Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, gave a summary for the 2022 year to date financial numbers for the third quarter period, from January to the end of September, which also included a report on the amount of taxes collected.

A total of $6.8 million in revenue has been received so far, which works out to 87 per cent of the town’s budgeted amount forecast.

“The overall operating revenue is on target and has no issues at this point,” Rahman said.

“In summary, as of Sept. 30, 2022, I feel the 2022 operating budget surplus remains on target,” he added.

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Expenses are also staying within the town’s budget, with $5.5 million spent, which is 73 per cent of the amount forecast.

As well, Rahman said, overall, the 2022 capital spending figures are also meeting the town’s target.

“Everything is on budget, so I don’t see any problem or anything” Rahman said.

He also provided a breakdown of the town’s capital projects, which shows that 95 per cent of the 39 general projects are currently in progress or complete.

“It’s a really good year for us. We have done quite a bit of projects this year,” Rahman said. “We are all busy, and I hope everything is going to be done on time.”

Councillor Doug Laing was pleased to see the breakdown for the capital projects.

“I like to see these [reports], and I am glad we are doing them,” he said. “It reminds you of things we have talked about a year ago. Things like the columbarium we talked about it quite a while ago. And the cemetery [upgrades], I haven’t driven by in a long time, but that work is looking good. So, it’s nice to get a little bit of a view from up top… Thanks for this because I appreciate it.”

On the taxes revenue, Rahman noted the town also collected 15 per cent of its outstanding taxes in arrears from prior years, in addition to bringing in 85 per cent of taxes owing for 2022.

Town CAO Ash Alam said administration was proactive in enforcing tax collection this year, and has seen a great deal of success from its work.

Mayor Ames Leslie remarked the financial report was thorough, and will also help council keep an eye on all the town’s projects this year.

“I really like this report,” he said. “Keep it coming.”

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW