Municipal Council hosts budget presentation

Jesse Bonello - Staff Writer

Sioux Lookout's Municipal Council hosted their first budget presentation of the 2020 budgeting process on Oct. 9 where they went through a full agenda.
The presentation, given by Treasurer Christy McIntomney, covered 2019 capital projects, 2019 municipal debt, 2019 reserves and reserve funds, 2020 funding opportunities, capital projects approved after the 2019 budget, and asset management.
The presentation displayed capital projects that are completed and in progress such as the Sioux Lookout Water Treatment Plant roof, which had a $45,000 budget and has cost $35,369 to date, and the Recreation Centre lobby bathroom and men’s change room, which had a $10,000 budget and has cost $15,019 to date. Other projects that are still in progress include the Waterfront Development Project, which has a budget of $2,689,041, and the Museum/Indigenous Knowledge Centre, which has a budget of $285,000.
McIntomney shared that, in 2020, the municipality could potentially take on new long term debt.
Following the presentation, members of the public were given an opportunity to ask questions and display their concerns. Two people were in attendance.
Members of the public will get a chance to look at the first draft of the 2020 budget on Nov. 27 when Sioux Lookout's Municipal Council hosts a budget meeting at the Sunset Suites. The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m.