Budget 2017 Approved: Spending Slowed, Mill Rate Lowered, and Focus on Building the New Aquatic Centre
At its May 24 Regular Meeting, Council approved a new uniform mill rate of 9.7. The mill rate is a figure that represents the amount per $1,000 of the assessed value of a property, which is used to calculate the amount of property tax. The mill rate was influenced by significant increases to property assessments in Kindersley, many of which were close to double the value of the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency’s (SAMA) assessments in 2013. With several new properties joining the tax roll in 2017, the Town was able to lower the mill rate and still achieve near equivalent tax revenue as achieved in 2016.
Council dedicated $6.35 million to the new aquatic centre, approximately $1.3 million of which is already set aside in reserves. It is hoped that most of the remaining funds needed will be collected through sponsorships and fundraising, although Council approved a capital loan of up to $3.5 million to cover costs in the interim.
After loans and transfers from reserves, Kindersley’s 2017 Budget projects a surplus of $248,336.
Other notable factors of the approved 2017 Budget include a $300,000 reduction in employee wages, and transfers to reserves in the amount […]
Highlights from May 9, 2016 Council Meeting
Resident Frances Chandler addressed Council to inquire about the Town’s recognition of volunteers and to suggest to Council that more needs to be done to recognize those who contribute to the community in any way.
Council defeated a resolution to approve a requested 2-inch (50 mm) diameter water service connection line for the proposed Circle-K Convenience Store, located at 903-11th Avenue West since precedent identifies that a line of that size is to be solely for the purposes of fire suppression.
Administration was directed to add an amount not to exceed $18,750 to the 2016 Budget to represent the Town of Kindersley’s portion to complete paving of the Kindersley Medical Arts parking lot.
Council tabled a resolution to seek boundary alterations with the RM of Kindersley until its June 13 meeting so that further preparatory discussion can take place with the RM of Kindersley.
Council adopted Bylaw 03-16, The Procedures Bylaw, which regulates the proceedings of meetings of Council as well as Committees of Council. As per the Bylaw, commencing with the May 24 Regular Meeting of Council, the public session will begin at 7 pm as opposed to the current 6 pm start time.
Council declared May 15-21, 2016 as in effort to raise awareness of safe bicycle operations and to promote the Kindersley Bike Rodeo to be held on May 18, which provides skills and safety education to children aged 5 to 15 years old.
The week of May 30 to June 5 was declared Safe Kids Week 2016 in Kindersley in recognition of […]
Highlights of Special Meeting of Council May 13, 2016
At a Special Meeting of Council held Friday, May 13, 2016, Council directed Acting Mayor Shaun Henry and Chief Administrative Officer Bernie Morton to enter into the following agreements:
- A rental agreement with the Kindersley Rodeo Committee for the 2016 Rodeo to take place from May 26 to 28, 2016 at the West Central Events Centre.
- A lease and operating agreement with the NRC Community Management Inc.for the purposes of operating the Norman Ritchie Centre theatre facility as a non-profit organization on behalf of the Town and for the benefit of citizens of Kindersley and region, and further, that the final contract be submitted and shared with Council prior to final execution.
- An amendment to the SUMAssure Reciprocal Exchange Agreement.
2016 Budget Holds Mill Rate to 2015 Level
The Council-approved 2016 Budget keeps the mill rate unchanged for 2016 and sets aside money for future capital projects including the aquatic centre and fire hall.
Council approved the mill rate of 15.35 at its May 24 Regular Meeting of Council, recognizing the need to balance long-term planning with sensitivity to current economic pressures.
While the Budget approved, in principle, in December 2015 reflected a 3 percent tax increase (2 percent for the Stats Canada rate of inflation for Saskatchewan and 1 percent for capital projects), the approved 2016 Budget absorbs these added costs without any increase.
Assessment valuations, operational efficiencies, and a change in infrastructure work gave Administration the flexibility to absorb the inflation and Council’s capital project priorities without having to increase the mill rate.
The Town of Kindersley will continue to leverage municipal partnerships with Western Regional Landfill Inc. project to construct a new landfill west of Kindersley as early as 2017. Additionally, Council has entered into a three-year agreement with the non-profit group NRC Community Management Inc. to oversee operations of the Norman Ritchie Community Centre, as well as a seasonal agreement with Kindersley Minor Ball for maintenance, upgrades, and operation of Kindersley ball fields from May to August 2016.
The Pool Reserve will receive a contribution of $525,000 this year, while an additional $156,000 will be put into reserve for the new fire hall. A total of $1.8 million will be contributed to reserves in 2016, while $1.18 will be withdrawn for capital projects including the regional landfill project, paving […]
Highlights from June 13, 2016 Council Meeting
Chamber of Commerce president Tom Morris addressed Council to provide an update on the organization’s activities, which Morris indicated would include a name change to Kindersley and District Chamber of Commerce in the near future. Morris, also a member of the Kindersley Rotary Club, shared some of the recent activities of the Club, specifically the Los Amigo project, which provides emergency response vehicles to communities in Mexico.
Council had a lengthy discussion about whether to refurbish the existing swimming pool with the intent of re-opening by spring 2017 or to proceed with building a new facility with construction starting by 2020. Council will seek public input and bring the topic to its June 27 agenda for decision.
An application for subdivision of land in Brookhollow Estates was supported by Council. The application, made by Excelsior Quality Builders Ltd., amends a previously granted subdivision of land for the same purpose and requires that a new Servicing Agreement be signed to reflect changes in the condominium unit plan. The revised subdivision plan creates bungalow-style townhouses as opposed to 2-storey.
Council authorized the abatement of 2016 municipal property taxes in the amount of $12,114.39 for non-profit organizations. In addition, three residential properties that were removed in early 2016 were given a partial abatement for the duration of time they are not taxable.
Acting Mayor Shaun Henry and Chief Administrative Officer Bernie Morton were directed to enter into an agreement with AECOM to a maximum of $55,000 to provide preliminary engineering for the construction of a new lagoon, […]
Highlights from the June 27, 2016 Council Meeting
Following a lengthy discussion regarding the Kindersley pool and the present and future need for an aquatic facility, Council defeated a motion to refurbish the existing swimming pool and will instead continue to focus efforts on the construction of a new pool. This decision followed several delegations earlier in the evening during which a variety of representatives offered input about the options facing Council related to refurbishment of the existing 40-year-old pool versus construction of a new outdoor or indoor pool.
Members of the Pool Fundraising Committee shared the committee’s mandate since it was formed in 2014. Spokesperson Michelle German stated the committee’s intention to raise money for a new pool in Kindersley and indicated that the committee was opposed to refurbishment of the existing pool.
Resident Roxanne Atkinson also shared her own personal concerns related to planning for the future pool. Atkinson was joined by resident Gary Becker and Brett Dyregrov, a representative of Western Recreation and Development, who expressed concerns about the costs and problems associated with rehabilitating the type of pool Kindersley has. Dyregrov also provided samples of other outdoor pools that are being constructed throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Members of the Coleman Park Working Group attended Council to present their proposed plans for the future park between Coleman Crescent and Hahn Crescent. The plans were unveiled during a June 6 Open House held at Caleb Village, after which residents were invited to offer input about the designs. More information about the park can be viewed online at www.kindersley.ca/ourcommunity/majorprojects/colemanparkproject.
Jean-Marc […]
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