In the end, the town was able to pass a modest budget increase without adversely affecting services. During a year where the municipality was bracing for a recession, the need for deep cuts was reduced. A 3.4 per cent spending increase is tolerable. Grants continue to fund many of the capital projects, and compared to other municipalities, as we tried to do in this week’s Fitzhugh, Jasper holds up well against other mountain communities. All mountain communities chose not to launch large spending programs, and kept their expenditures lean.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t changes.

While services haven’t been cut, other areas have been affected. A directive to increase fine revenue by $8,000 will see more tickets issued, and garbage service fees are increasing by 13 per cent. This includes a $24 recycling service fee. Dog and cat tag fees will also increase, and the municipality will make the switch to compostable doggie bags. While these numbers won’t be reflected in the tax rate, they do represent an increase in the tax burden on the public. Jasper is a fan of user pays systems. Those costs and revenue aren’t as stable, and are easier to miss during budget time. Throughout the year however, they certainly become noticeable, and can lead to reductions in usage.

The municipality also looks to save money through reducing its snow clearing standard, and by postponing some crack filling work until next year. This passes the costs into the 2011 budget, and thus far it appears 2010 is the wrong year to reduce snow clearing.

Staff reductions will also hit the daycare and grounds crew. Departments made small cuts to travel, food and administration line items.

These are all small changes and the public shouldn’t notice a difference in service. However they are worth paying attention to, and administration will notice the changes.

Budgets require a great deal of foresight, planning and a little luck in order to best meet the needs of its citizens. Will this year’s operations budget accomplish that?

Council and administration accomplished what they set out to do with this budget. Yet the capital budget presents much more uncertainty.

Stay tuned.

A thank you

The Fitzhugh would be remiss to pass up an opportunity to credit those who assisted in the Cavell Apartments fire last week. Firefighters, town staff and business leaders put together a tremendous effort to save the town from what could have been a catastrophic situation.

The Jasper fire department tackled a difficult fire in an old building with a high level of skill and professionalism. Town staff, headed by the community services department, co-ordinated evacuation and ensured all had a roof over their heads during one of the coldest nights of the year. Marmot Basin, Mountain Park Lodges and others responded quickly to ensure their staff was well taken care of, and that the displacement was as seamless as possible. Once again, in the face of adversary, Jasper rallied together.

Now it is up to the town to co-operate with Cavell Apartments to address some of the problems found in the structure – problems that could have proved fatal were it not for such a quick response from fire crews. Through the fire comes the possibility of renewal.