City Council today completed its 2011 Operational Budget deliberations with discussion focussing on balancing community needs with current economic uncertainty.

“One of the major features of this budget discussion was the challenge of keeping budget increases as low as possible,” says Mayor Dwight Logan. “We recognize the possibility of a recession and this must be weighed with the needs of our rapidly growing community. 

“Our residents expect us to be financially responsible. At the same time, people want our community’s needs to be met in areas such as streets, parks, law enforcement, and recreation.”

Each year, he adds, council does a mini-budget review so that new priorities and emerging needs can be addressed. “Our budgets are not written in stone.”

The 2011 operational and capital budget, finalized last week, mean a 7.5 per cent increase in municipal taxes in 2011. For the average home owner with a house assessed at $304,000, this means an increase of $171 over 2010. This moves their tax bill from $2,286 in 2010 to $2,457 in 2011.

These budgets go to City Council on Dec. 15, along with adjustments made to the 2009 budget.

The 2011 operational budget incorporates the opening of the Aquatics and Wellness Multiplex in September of that year. Other Community Services highlights include improved service levels in Parks Operations, particularly in the area of turf maintenance and park amenities.

The City will be able to provide enhanced diagnostics and treatment related to turf, insects and ornamentals.

Adjusting hours to full-time for the Community Housing Facilitator will increase service levels.

RCMP staff will be expanded by two in 2009 with full costs reflected in 2010 and 2011. The budget also incorporates the City’s continued commitment to Regional Emergency Planning with full costs reflected in 2011. A third fire hall will be built in 2011 and work continues toward a potential Regional Service Model.

The 2011 operating and capital budgets were created this year to assist with future financial management. Last year, the new council found it was dealing with the 2008-2010 budget as soon as it took office. By adding an additional year now, the new council in 2010 will have several months to get oriented before working on a new budget.