2016 proposed general budget includes 4 % tax increase

“There’s always a change-over of positions and vacancies that occur. Following the lead of other cities, we are reducing our budget for the overall cost of that from an assumption of 100 per cent full complement all the time to basically 99 per cent,” said Day.

As expected, The Prince Albert Police Service leads the way in salaries with over $16.6 million – a $500,000 increase since last year.

The budget also includes funds for two new positions including a position for a geographic information systems (GIS) supervisor at just under $84,890 and a safety assistance position for the city’s safety division at $97,400.

Capital budget funding saw an increase of $450,000 bringing the total to over $5.5 million.

“With about $4 million of the capital budget going towards the city’s paving program, the increased budget will give the city more room on other projects,” said Day.

Also, in anticipation of the 5 per cent decrease in the municipal operating grant from the province, the budget includes a $373,000 offset cost.

Other expenses to note include $122,760 towards the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library and $10,200 for full time security at the Kinsmen Water Park.

Prince Albert residents are invited to speak to budget committee members on Monday, Nov. 9.

The public consultation meeting will take place around 6 p.m. or later following the scheduled city council meeting.

Those interested in making a correspondence or presentation are required to submit a letter and their speaking notes to the city no later than 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The city’s elected officials will partake in their two-day review of the general fund budget on Nov.19 and 20.

All meetings will be held in the council chambers with the public encouraged to attend.

Click here to view the 2016 proposed general fund budget.

knguyen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @khangvnguyen

by Khang Nguyen

2016 proposed general budget includes 4 % tax increase

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