Mayor Bob Himbeault and Town of Assiniboia Chief Administrative Office Carol White presented the 2018 budget during the annual general meeting of the Assiniboia and District Chamber of Commerce, held at the Canalta Hotel on April 24.
Himbeault reported that the annual $8.8 million budget reflects over $3 million in capital expenditures, carried forward to continue the water treatment plan upgrade project as well as other capital projects. As it related to the water treatment project, White explained an important date was extended regarding a grant for this project, moving the completion date to March 31, 2019. The budget also transferred $1.5 million in from reserves for current expenditures and $615,300 was transferred into reserves for future projects/purchases.
The 2018 budget reflects a three per cent increase to the tax levy or $75,000 in new revenue. Upon the complete review of this year’s assessment roll, administration will present council with options on how to allocate the increased levy among the ratepayers, at which time Council will choose the option they determine is the most fair and best meets their vision. White confirmed that any changes to assessments would be sent in the mail soon, with tax bills out in June and payments due at the end of July.
As with each spring, major repairs to asphalt through the town becomes an ongoing project. “We have identified a number of locations where repair is required to make them more drivable, but also easier to sweep,” explained Himbeault. “We also have water that remains on the roads in some places which serves to further deteriorate the asphalt. Sunset is especially in bad shape, and engineers will be looking into that. This will likely be a 2019 project. There are also some sidewalk and curb problems which add drainage issues.”
It was also announced that two new catch basins to assist with storm water drainage would move ahead in 2018.
“We have the catch basin near Coop as well as near Nash and Nelson’s where deep lakes basically are created and cause problems for drivers. These are projects moved from last year, and will be re-tendered,” explained the mayor.
It was also confirmed that drainage improvements would be made to the Granville South and North Industrial areas, “There has been interest expressed in the North Industrial area, and this has been on the table for a while to protect the existing businesses to the west.”
White also confirmed that a main apron at the airport was also in need of repair, with 50 per cent of the cost covered by a grant that has been applied for and then the balance from reserves.
She also confirmed a new liner and skimmers would be installed after the pool closes in September. “This should give our pool another 10 years.”
While every budget year has its own challenges when crunching the numbers, Himbeault also pointed out that things tend to pop up unexpectedly throughout the year and wanted to make a point to keep the three per cent (or $75,000) tax levy increase in perspective,
“Just after we completed the budget process, we found out that the boiler at the water plant needs changing. So another $80,000 will be needed from reserves to cover that.”
