Headline indicates a general budget where taxes rather than utility fees are the main source of the revenue side.

Water and Sewer utility rates are set late in the year so that billings can be calculated from January 1st.

The general budget contains capital and operating sections for Public Works and General Government including roads and Town funded parks.

Highlights of a 3 hour meeting Tuesday on the budget.

Council directed staff to finalize a 5 year financial plan for adoption based on a 1.5% increase in the tax requisition for 2015.

Staff had brought forth a shopping list of items that require funding but carried with them a surplus of over $100 thousand left over from 2014. ( As mentioned previously – the surplus due to gas tax and recycling revenue)

Council has earmarked:

$10,000 for a vacant land inventory – marketing strategy and will seek a marketing consultant
$8,000 for a new sound system in council chambers
$45,000 for a start on a revised or new Official Community Plan
$5,000 for front office public reception area improvements
$10,000 for an improved record management system
$7,200 for an employee recognition
$4,400 extra money for Bylaw Enforcement
$14,400 deposit in  equipment reserve

Small increases to the corporate promotional,  sister-city, volunteer recognition and training budgets

Items that got no dollars

Chamber of Commerce Economic Development proposals
Increasing advertising budgets and council discretionary funds

Capital Improvement Projects include:

Fairview Rd and Gala Street linear parks
Traffic calming measures prior to Main St repave by Highways ministry *
Taxiway on Airport – if grants available
New dog pound – town and rural
Town Hall parking improvements
Asset Management Plan
Fire equipment
Computer Improvements
Improved Street Lighting
Completion of ‘Total Circle’ – Hike and Bike Trail
Fairview Rd paving and a traffic circle – if grants available

* Main part of budget causing tax increase – once in 30 year costs