The City of Yorkton's Operating and Capital Budgets were both passed at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.
The budgets were both initially discussed earlier this year, and were again reviewed in a Committee of the Whole meeting Monday.
The combined six per cent tax increase means "An average home in Yorkton is currently assessed at $200,000 and a 6.0 per cent tax increase equates to $85.00/year," said City Manager Lonnie Kaal.
Operating Costs are increasing more than CPI given rising fuel, contract and labour costs. When applying tax growth and increased grants to the operating budget, a 1.97 per cent tax increase is required. Additional maintenance was added to the operating budget for a 1.27 per cent tax increase equaling 3.24 per cent, detailed a Report circulated to Council.
"The cost of providing services continues to increase primarily because of salary increases, rising fuel and utility costs. Fortunately growth has helped augment the operating increase with a two per cent tax increase required.
Exceptions noted on the attached spreadsheet highlight changes, none of which are significant. Details regarding additional resources are provided and the proposed budget includes the addition of one full time person in the I.T. department. Technology needs to be better utilized as we move forward with asset management and various city wide priorities. An I.T. Strategic plan will be provided to Council in 2014 with specific details. Should Council decide not to move forward with this additional position at that time, the budget can be amended."
In terms of additional maintenance $200,000 is targeted at street re-surfacing and pot-hole repairs, and $30,000 for facility maintenance.
"The capital budget requires additional dollars to upgrade and replace existing worn out assets. An increase of $500,000 is planned with $200,000 dedicated to Storm Line Replacement and $300,000 towards future debt payments for the Public Works Building," stated the Report.
Yorkton has doubled the amount of funds dedicated to capital in the last seven years.
Councillor Chris Wyatt was opposed to the operating budget based on it including money for additional IT and Deer Park Golf Course maintenance staff.
However, Council was unanimous on the Capital Budget.
Following the Committee of the Whole meeting Council went back into its regular meeting to officially pass the two budgets.
