Town of Battleford proposes two per cent tax increase in new budget

The budget also proposes an increase of about $116,000 in revenue from utility fees in 2019. Property owners could expect to pay about $6 more per month on average, depending on their usage.

The mayor noted utility rates haven’t increased since 2012 and said the increase represents a slight “fine-tuning.”

Administration raised the issue that the town’s utility departments need to operate as stand-alone entities and shouldn’t be supported by the town’s revenue from taxation.

One of the big projects planned ahead is resurfacing Second Ave., from 30th to 35th St., and replacing underground pipes, as well as curbs and gutters, at a cost of about $450,000.

The town needs to expand its lagoon wastewater treatment system, an estimated $4.5 million project for the upgrade work alone, to meet its growing population needs. The extra funding from utilities will help cover some of the cost of this initiative.

Finance director David Gillan suggested the town fund the project by using a small amount from utility reserves and borrow $4 million from the town’s cash reserves to save costs in the long run.

The public is invited to attend the town’s budget deliberation meeting at 7 p.m. on Jan. 14. Administration hopes the new budget will be passed at council’s Jan. 21 meeting.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

by Angela Brown

Town of Battleford proposes two per cent tax increase in new budget

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