Meadow Lake City Council has set the budget for 2023 (file photo/meadowlakeNOW.com).

By Ian Roach

MEADOW LAKE BUDGET

Meadow Lake City Council approves budget for 2023

Nov 30, 2022 | 3:38 PM

Meadow Lake City Council passed the budget for 2023 at their regular council meeting on Nov. 28. The budget anticipates a mill rate increase of 7 per cent. For an average home in Meadow Lake, a 7% increase in the mill rate should work out to an increase of $143.64 in annual taxes or an extra $11.97 a month.

Like many cities, Meadow Lake is facing increased costs. The city anticipated a three percent increase in fuel, natural gas, materials, supplies, and labour. A three percent increase translated into a 400,000 dollar deficit to maintain the same level of service as previous years.

A seven percent increase to the mill rate is projected to increase property tax revenue by $341,908.

Operating Budget

The operating budget includes a three percent increase overall. In a media release from the city, notable operating expenditures include:

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• The creation of communications and community engagement budgets.
• Increases to firefighter wage scales.
• Allocations to sidewalk improvements.

Capital Budget

The capital budget included 3.3 million dollars in spending. It included replacing the concrete pad in front of the Fire Hall, replacing old and broken equipment in the Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments, and maintenance upgrades to the Aquatic Centre. The city is also planning a complete overhaul of the city’s zoning bylaw and official community plan.

Fees

Fees for facility rentals, aquatic centre use, permits, and licencing fees are increasing by five percent.

Water and Sewer

For water and sewer, the city is continuing with the rate restructuring started in 2015, intending to make the water and utility services self-sufficient. A ten percent increase in the water and sewer consumption rate was approved. A new $25 per quarter infrastructure fee will start on Jan. 1, 2023.

In the media release, the city says management worked with council to create a budget that meets the following principles.

• · Balancing service levels with capacity;
• · Determining short- and long-term plans to address maintenance and replacement of infrastructure; and
• · Ensuring financial practices are sustainable.

The final mill rate will be set in spring 2023.

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ian.roach@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @IanRoachSK