As expected, the 2021 budget was been adopted in North Battleford Monday at the last regular council meeting of 2020. The 2021 budget includes a one per cent property tax increase with that revenue being applied to capital, and a zero increase for utilities and UPAR.
It was a lengthy evening, with a number of resolutions passed related to the discussions at last week’s budget deliberations. Council held four nights of budget deliberations in total between Dec. 3 to 10, and the resolutions passed on Monday went along the same lines as what had been discussed, with no new surprises.
The resolutions passed Monday are as follows:
The first called for the reduced amount of requested funds from both the transit and Handi-bus systems to be transferred towards the purchase of a new Handi-Bus. That was carried.
A second resolution called for the amount of $10,000 (included in the budget due to COVID-19) to be applied to grant requests of Concern for Youth and Midwest Food Resources, and further that follow-up be made with Midwest Food Resources in reducing their grant request.
Midwest Food Resources had initially requested $5,830, but Director of Finance Steve Brown confirmed Monday that their ask was now down to $3,000. The grant towards Concern for Youth was for $5,000.
The third resolution challenged Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts to come up with $7,390 in efficiencies. That was carried.
A fourth resolution called for the updating of the budget to enable inclusion of the CSO deputy commander position into the budget. That was carried; as well, further discussion on the program would happen in the new year at council.
The next resolution called for the deferral of the parks and recreation capital budget projects of the upgrades at Allen Sapp Gallery and outdoor seniors fitness equipment. That was also carried.
Also carried was a resolution that any remaining Municipal Economic Enhancement Program funding be used to purchase a trailer at the Waste Management Facility in the amount of $30,000.
The next resolutions were the biggest ones: the first one called for a one percent property tax increase to be transferred to the capital reserve of the budget. That was carried.
The final resolution called for the 2021 budget as presented by administration and amended by council to be adopted. That was carried unanimously.
