Council discusses 2009 budget

There were lots of congratulations directed to and from council, municipal manager George Krefting and Alice Lettner, director of finance and administration, regarding the 2009 municipal budget in the regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday.

The budget proposal was called “responsible” by Mayor Richard Ireland, Deputy Mayor Rico Damota and Counc. Ralph Melnyk, which will deliver a similar level of service with a 2.9 per cent tax increase as opposed to the preliminary budget proposal, which proposed a 6.5 per cent tax increase.  Krefting noted that more time was spent on the budget review process by council this year than he could recall.  

Even though communities such as Banff will not be increasing taxes for the upcoming fiscal year, Jasper’s council has taken a more prudent approach by increasing taxes.  It was discussed that it’s likely that Banff will have to raise tax rates in the future in higher increments than Jasper, given that they have proposed no increase this year.  

Based on data provided by Alberta Municipal Affairs, Jasper’s residential tax rate is 7.9 per cent lower than the provincial average. Non-residential tax rates in the city are closer to the provincial average, but still below by 0.6 per cent. The provincial averages are based on an examination of similar-sized communities.  

Other issues discussed at council on Jan. 6 were the electric truck, which has to date exhibited limited range capabilities given the cold weather. More testing and forthcoming information will assist the municipality in gauging the pilot project’s success.  

Verne Balding, director of corporate and legislative services said he hopes to organize a public demonstration of the electric truck and give residents who fulfill safety requirements the opportunity to test it in a controlled situation.   

Tonight a public information meeting between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Upper Curling Lounge in the Jasper Activity Centre will provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions about the budget and provide feedback to council. Additionally, director of Environmental Services Ken Quackenbush will have information about the proposed Hazel Avenue underpass and Yvonne McNabb will have information about the Activity Centre improvements. It is not a formal meeting, but rather a drop-in session.  According to Lettner, the meeting will be “informal, but informative.”  

Council will vote on the 2009 operating budget at the Jan. 20 meeting at 1:30 p.m. in the Emergency Services building.