(File photo/paNOW)

By paNOW staff

Budget

City budget grows by $1.6 million targeted at streets and playgrounds

Nov 19, 2022 | 10:00 AM

A leaner version of the $3 million budget increase will go forward for final approval by council next month.

Administration started the process on Wednesday by warning council that there would need to a significant increase just to maintain services.

“This is a focused budget that targets spending in areas that are important to residents,” said Mayor Greg Dionne in a news release. “This Council is committed to investing in the infrastructure and services that make Prince Albert a great place to live. This year, we have once again prioritized spending in parks and playgrounds and repaving another $4.1 million in City streets.”

Notable projects this year include about $420,000 for playgrounds and park pathways, along with outdoor washrooms as part of the Little Red upgrades.

Little Red will also get a warm up shelter with solar panels and a wood stove.

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Another $25,000 will create a boat launch design on River Street

Staffing will increase with the adding of two snow operator/roadways, three fire fighters and an Infrastructure Systems Analyst in the Information Technology Department.

Roads will see over $4 million spent to repave some city streets.

No services were cut.

The $1.58 million increase was much less than the $3 million proposed by staff.

“This has been a tough budget year. Inflation has driven costs up across our operations with $400,000 in increases alone in insurance and provincial utility costs,” said Mayor Dionne. “Fortunately, we are also seeing revenues recover following years of reduced attendance at City facilities because of Covid-19.”

Once approved, the next step in the process will be a decision regarding a tax plan which will finalize how the tax rate will impact different properties.

Council will meet again to review options including minimum tax rates, base tax rates and the mill rate. This review is expected in March when the final tax rates will be set for 2023.