â–º Listen Live

Let’s tighten our belts: Bonnyville council working on balancing 2019 budget

The mayor of Bonnyville says its time to take a good, hard look at finances as the town gets set to pass a 2019 budget. On November 27th town council provided feedback on the second draft of both the operational and capital budgets that are currently being hashed out. The current idea for 2019 requires a two percent tax dollar increase to balance. Mayor Gene Sobolewski says it’s time to look at ways to cut costs and not ask for more taxes from residents.

“When we take a look at the economic climate that the northeast is going to be facing coming in [to 2019], I don’t think it would be very prudent. It’s up to the town to say ‘We also need to do some belt-tightening'”.

Town finance staff has presented a few ideas for freeing up budget space by moving a planned census to 2020 and increasing water, sewer and garbage fees by about two percent. Sobolewski says he has a goal of bringing any additional taxes down.

“Let’s get it to half a percent or zero. We have to do our part as well. And we have some low hanging fruit here that we can touch.”

The public will soon get a chance to give opinions on the budgets. December 4th at 6 pm the town hall will open its doors to an open house. Council says feedback will be considered when they meet on December 11th to pass a preliminary budget.

Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall
News / Afternoon Host
- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Man facing charges after stolen truck recovered near Kehewin

A stolen truck was reported missing and was recovered on July 3 south of Bonnyville after RCMP were called to the location along Highway 41. 38-year-old driver Peter Trottier of Frog Lake, was arrested and charged.

Cold Lake approved supportive living facility for minors needing 24 hour care

Cold Lake city council approved to change the former Stepping Stones Crisis Centre at 5201 50th St, into a supportive living accommodations for minors with medical needs. 

Bonnyville RCMP investigate calf theft and butchering in Lessard area

Bonnyville RCMP are investing a case of livestock theft after a calf was stolen, butchered, and discarded on July 3 in the Lessard area north of Bonnyville. 

Cold Lake RCMP urge residents to shelter in place after gunshot report

Cold Lake RCMP are asking residents near 8 Street and 10 Avenue to shelter in place as officers respond to a report of a gunshot in the area. 

RCMP officer’s child exploitation case moves to King’s Bench

The case of St. Paul RCMP officer Evan Peacock, who is facing multiple child exploitation charges, has been raised to the Court of King's Bench, with his next appearance set for July 7 in St. Paul. 
- Advertisement -