M.D. Reeve and council “very happy” about 2019 budget talks so far

The M.D. of Bonnyville is going through budget deliberations in January, and the process is going well, said Reeve Greg Sawchuk.

Sawchuk said during The Morning After (13:00), that this year’s budget is being treated differently, and out of it there will be some new initiatives.

“We’re seeing a lot more numbers since last year. The budget is being attacked a different way. Our CAO is doing a fantastic job of bringing forward all the information council needs and if he doesn’t have it there, he’ll get it,” said Sawchuk.

“Council are very happy with how budget is going this year because we’re really digging in and seeing what’s going in. Out of that we’re finding efficiencies that will allow us to do more in our community.

The budget will not be passed until April when the final assessments come back to council and administration and the mill rate bylaw is looked at.

“So far so good, we’re finding there’s some new initiatives and stepping back on others,” he said.

In December, the M.D. passed their interim operating budget for 2019.

The M.D. press release about the budget said council’s priority “will continue to make industry and business welcome in the M.D., as well as continuing to expand recreation opportunities for M.D. residents.”

It hinted that small businesses (50 or less employees) can expect the M.D.’s Small Business Property Sub-Class Mill Rate to continue, and lowering the M.D.’s Non-Residential Mill Rate, to attract larger businesses to set up shop in the M.D.