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

Cold Lake council offering 1,000 free kids tickets for RCMP Musical Ride

The RCMP Musical Ride is coming to Cold Lake on July 24 and the city is making it easier for families to attend by giving up to 1,000 free children's tickets. 

Cold Lake adjusts sponsorship for RCMP charity golf tournament

During the June 24th council meeting, Cold Lake city council approved a request to move $3,500 sponsorship grant for the upcoming RCMP Charity Golf Tournament after the original sponsorship level became unavailable. 

Safety upgrades pushed for St. Brides intersection following deadly crash

St. Paul councillor is calling for safety improvements at the St. Brides intersection following a deadly crash in April that claimed three lives. 

Two arrested after firearm and drug seized in Elk Point

Two people are facing firearm and drug-related charges after Elk Point RCMP stopped a vehicle on the mourning of June 19.

Heat warning issued for the Lakeland region

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the Lakeland, with daytime highs expected to reach 29°C and overnight lows near 14°C for the next two days.
- Advertisement -