It was tabled after a previous council meeting, allowing time for local residents to offer comment, however noting the fact that no input came forward, on Monday, Yorkton City Council opted to pass the 2014 budget which will mean a 5.5 tax increase across the board.
"I spoke on this the last time and it still holds true ... I hope the public understands that the main thrust of what we're doing is the streets and roads and the 'not-so-pretty' things where you cut ribbons. I'm fully prepared to support this budget," said Mayor Bob Maloney at Monday evening's council meeting, giving much credit to administration for their hard work and foresight.
All of the same view, councillors passed the budget unanimously.
For the average home (valuing average at $200,000) the increase will equate to about $72 per year.
Among the reasons cited for the increase on the operating side of the budget was the addition of an RCMP officer, increased snow removal costs, street cleaning, grass cutting and line painting.
On the capital side, drainage issues took a big toll.
Capital projects requiring tax dollars in the amount of $3,580,000 are proposed for 2014, said Lonnie Kaal, the city's director of financing at a previous council meeting - $1,560,000 of that is slated for drainage issues.
"Significant dollars have been allocated to drainage in recent years and the costs continue," adds Kaal, saying the work must continue.
Curbs, sidewalks and roadway improvements have also been slated as well as further improvements to the airport.
"The city has made good progress increasing the capital budget to maintain and replace existing assets...
"All cities will require more funding for capital improvements to fix infrastructure as we go forward. Yorkton has made good progress in this regard..."
The 2014 budget is available for viewing in its entirety on the City of Yorkton website: www.yorkton.ca.
