The Council-approved 2016 Budget keeps the mill rate unchanged for 2016 and sets aside money for future capital projects including the aquatic centre and fire hall.

Council approved the mill rate of 15.35 at its May 24 Regular Meeting of Council, recognizing the need to balance long-term planning with sensitivity to current economic pressures.

While the Budget approved, in principle, in December 2015 reflected a 3 percent tax increase (2 percent for the Stats Canada rate of inflation for Saskatchewan and 1 percent for capital projects), the approved 2016 Budget absorbs these added costs without any increase.

Assessment valuations, operational efficiencies, and a change in infrastructure work gave Administration the flexibility to absorb the inflation and Council’s capital project priorities without having to increase the mill rate.

The Town of Kindersley will continue to leverage municipal partnerships with Western Regional Landfill Inc. project to construct a new landfill west of Kindersley as early as 2017. Additionally, Council has entered into a three-year agreement with the non-profit group NRC Community Management Inc. to oversee operations of the Norman Ritchie Community Centre, as well as a seasonal agreement with Kindersley Minor Ball for maintenance, upgrades, and operation of Kindersley ball fields from May to August 2016.

The Pool Reserve will receive a contribution of $525,000 this year, while an additional $156,000 will be put into reserve for the new fire hall. A total of $1.8 million will be contributed to reserves in 2016, while $1.18 will be withdrawn for capital projects including the regional landfill project, paving of heavy haul roads, and projects financed by the Capital Trust Fund.

Capital projects continue in 2016 with an investment of $3.46 million, which includes $490,000 for new heavy haul asphalt on C Street and 9th Street West, and $325,700 for additional sidewalk and road rehabilitation. $1.2 million is set aside for the regional landfill, with the hope that a third of that will be contributed by senior level government funding. A total of $781,575 is budgeted for capital projects in the Community Services department, such as upgrades to the WCEC’s compressor and dehumidification system, and repairs to both the Norman Ritchie Centre and Elks Hall.

Total revenue budgeted in 2016 is $15,306,337; of which the municipal tax levy contributes $6,896,400, followed by utility services ($3,603,000) and operating grants ($2,597,660).

New structures and property additions contributed to assessment values. Those properties that had assessed improvements may see an increase in their property tax bill based solely on increases in assessed value.

Total operating expenditures (including capital) for 2016 are $15,366,749. After loans and transfers from reserves, the Budget projects a modest surplus of $72,984.

For detailed information on the 2016 budget, visit: www.kindersley.ca/towncouncil/budgetsfinance.