M.D. of Bonnyville budget forecast “a reset” for the municipality, said Reeve

The M.D. of Bonnyville is preparing their 2020 budget with a bit of caution.

M.D. Reeve Greg Sawchuk said on The Morning After on Friday that this budget is a reset for the municipality.

“It was kind of like a reset for the M.D in looking at our core services, recognizing that times are tough right now,” said Sawchuk.

“There was no appetite for increasing taxes, but we’re recognizing that also that our assessments are dropping. So with that, you look after what’s most important to the people and that’s those core services. So looking after the roads, the maintenance, your basic waste, your police services, that’s where we concentrated on first and then we looked at the supplementary things beyond that,” he said.

Alberta municipalities must pass a budget before the end of December, but can make changes before the financial year-end of April 31.

M.D. residents in La Corey, Glendon, and Ardmore got the opportunity to see the budget and voice their concerns at budget open halls in November.

“Our staff worked incredibly hard at preparing all the information necessary for council to kind of deliberate on a lot of things. The behind the scenes work is huge.”

The M.D. of Bonnyville is also waiting to see what portion they will receive of the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range money, which is expected to be decided before the end of the year.