First draft of the 2020 budget presented to council

Jesse Bonello - Staff Writer

Approximately 20 community members were in attendance as Municipal Treasurer Christy McIntomney presented the first draft of the 2020 budget to council on Nov 27, at the Sunset Suites Conference Room.
The presentation covered the 2020 operating budget – variances, 2020 library operating budget – variances, 2020 donation requests, 2020 operating deficit, and capital project requests.
The Friends of Cedar Bay are requesting a donation of $10,000. The Salvation Army is requesting a donation of $1,500 to offset landfill costs due to items they’re receiving that are unfit to sell.
Some of the capital projects include $45,171 for a cemetery columbarium, which is being paid through long-term debt, $75,000 for a new chair lift at the fitness centre, which is being paid through tax levy, $160,000 for public washroom facilities at Centennial Park, which is being paid through long-term debt, $15,000 for decking and a new ladder at the town dock, which is being paid through tax levy, and $30,000 for the Cedar Bay road, which is being paid through tax levy.
The next draft budget presentation is on Dec. 12 at the Sunset Suites Conference Room. McIntomney said the next presentation will cover topics she wasn’t able to address during the first presentation, such as taxation and user fees as well as reserves and reserve funds
“The following items will form the basis of the presentation for the December 12th Special Council (Budget) Meeting:
• Long Term Debt Schedule;
• Municipal Annual Repayment Limit (ARL);
• Taxation and User Fees;
• Reserves & Reserve Funds;
• Annual Grants;
• Federal Gas Tax;
• 2020 Capital Projects Summary - Draft #2;
• 2020 Operating Budget - Draft #2;
• 2020 Donation Requests,” she said.
The draft 2020 budget could be ratified and passed as early as council’s Jan. 15 regular council meeting.