The short answer is lots, if council so choose.
First of all the budget is never really final until the mill rate is set which takes three reading.
So any member of council can make an amendment at that time to the budget.
What can the public do to encourage the councilors? Contact them call the municipal office at 403 562 8833. They will provide you with the councilors contact information.
You can also voice your opinion on several councilors blogs:
Emile Saindon @ http://emilesaindon.wordpress.com/ or Brian Gallant @ http://www.briangallant.ca/index.php also this is a small community when you see your members of council around town don't be afraid to voice your opinion.
Speaking from experience small town politicians love nothing better than silence, it gives them a sense that the public is supporting their actions (right or wrong)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Well here comes the first real tough choice! Maintaining a 0% tax increase.
Previously I have stated that it was too soon to get caught up in the excitment of a 0% tax increase.
But maybe not! has I have also stated previously Council could still maintain a 0%, by choping the budget by the equivalent amount of any increase in the ASFF.
Well now available on the municipal affairs web site is the cost of the ASFF, and once again the province is increasing the burden on the residential tax payer.
Total education requisition for 2011 $2,542,134.47 versus $2,366,565.40 last year. An increase of $175,569.07.
Three options at $65,000 equals 1% tax increase
a) Increase taxes by 2.7%
b) Decrease the budget by $175,569.07
c) Some combination of a+b.
Yes the 3.2% for last year, with putting $450,000 into reserves and $250,000 into equipment does not look so bad if they go with option A.
But maybe not! has I have also stated previously Council could still maintain a 0%, by choping the budget by the equivalent amount of any increase in the ASFF.
Well now available on the municipal affairs web site is the cost of the ASFF, and once again the province is increasing the burden on the residential tax payer.
Total education requisition for 2011 $2,542,134.47 versus $2,366,565.40 last year. An increase of $175,569.07.
Three options at $65,000 equals 1% tax increase
a) Increase taxes by 2.7%
b) Decrease the budget by $175,569.07
c) Some combination of a+b.
Yes the 3.2% for last year, with putting $450,000 into reserves and $250,000 into equipment does not look so bad if they go with option A.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Economic Task Force
Noticed the Herald as a poll this week to guage the public's feeling on the Economic Task Force.
I am real curious to see the response. I will reserve my comments I know what I am hearing around town, but we will wait for the poll results.
http://www.passherald.ca/
Interesting to read the letter to the editior in Fridays paper from the lady who thought she was voting for smaller government. Who also questions how the five new jobs are going to be paid for.
Somebody asked me the obvious question on the weeked so obvious I never thought of it. Does council intend to not put any money into reserves over the next three years, and do they plan to finance all new equipment. Because how else are they going to pay for all these new jobs next year, and the year after. (The $400,000 bill that just won't stop taking)
I told the person to ask his councilor that question, maybe it will be with the additional revenues they are planning to bring in. For example last year the Elks Hall was projected to bring in $4,000 in rental income this year $29,000.
I am real curious to see the response. I will reserve my comments I know what I am hearing around town, but we will wait for the poll results.
http://www.passherald.ca/
Interesting to read the letter to the editior in Fridays paper from the lady who thought she was voting for smaller government. Who also questions how the five new jobs are going to be paid for.
Somebody asked me the obvious question on the weeked so obvious I never thought of it. Does council intend to not put any money into reserves over the next three years, and do they plan to finance all new equipment. Because how else are they going to pay for all these new jobs next year, and the year after. (The $400,000 bill that just won't stop taking)
I told the person to ask his councilor that question, maybe it will be with the additional revenues they are planning to bring in. For example last year the Elks Hall was projected to bring in $4,000 in rental income this year $29,000.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Little confused about property Taxes??
From todays Pass Promoter
"For 2011, a total of $6.841 million is required in taxes. The property tax levy for 2010 was $6.548 million"
Strange taxes did not go up??????
So where does the additional $293,000 come from?
New assessment for those kind of dollars? maybe.
There would have to be new development of $30,000,000 in 2010, or higher assessment based on increased real estate market values.
"For 2011, a total of $6.841 million is required in taxes. The property tax levy for 2010 was $6.548 million"
Strange taxes did not go up??????
So where does the additional $293,000 come from?
New assessment for those kind of dollars? maybe.
There would have to be new development of $30,000,000 in 2010, or higher assessment based on increased real estate market values.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Well its news
Check out http://www.usw9346.ca/bargaining.htm
Talks broke down this afternoon check out the site above. Tomorrows meeting is cancelled.
Talks broke down this afternoon check out the site above. Tomorrows meeting is cancelled.
Council Meeting of Feb 15, 2011
Council Meeting of Feb 15,2011
Adoption of Agenda:
Councilor Gallant added under other business Sub division Appeal Board Training
Councilor Londsbury added under other business G+P Meeting of Feb 22
Mayor Decoux added under other business Policy Committee meeting Date
Motion to accept the amended Agenda was passed unanimously
Adoption of previous minutes.
1. Council meeting of February 1,2011 Councilor Saindon pointed out that the minutes did not reflect that he voted against the budget. Motion to accept the minutes with that change accepted unanimously.
2. Special Council meeting of January 25,2011 Motion to accept the minutes as presented passed unanimously.
Delegations: None
Administrative and Agency Reports: None
Business arising from the Minutes:
1. Bylaw 818,2011-Utility Rate Bylaw-This is the Bylaw that will increase Water and Sewer rates by 10%.
Committee Reports:
1. G+P minutes of Feb 8,2011 Motion to accept passed unanimously
Bylaws:
1. Bylaw 817,2011-Distribution Tariff Bylaw- 1st reading passed unanimously, 2nd reading passed unanimously, consideration for third reading passed unanimously, and 3rd reading passed unanimously.
2. Bylaw 818,2011-Utility Rate Bylaw- 1st reading passed unanimously, 2nd reading passed unanimously, consideration for third reading passed unanimously, and 3rd reading passed unanimously.
Notices of Motion:
Councilor Saje-Provided a Notice of Motion on Alternative Public Transportation. He stated that this would be above and beyond the present Town Rounder.
Other Business:
1. Quarterly and Annual Compliance Report-Motion to accept passed unanimously
2. Request to amend Current Funding agreement for Crowsnest Walking Trail Project. Timing to be extended from March 31st to October 31st. Motion to accept passed unanimously.
3. Request for Additional Funds towards Crowsnest Community Trails Project, the Department will be looking for an additional $133,000 in funding for the trails to come from grants and sponsorship. Motion to accept passed unanimously
4. Greenmore Development Agreement extension, request to extend to March 2012, (this is the new food bank building) Motion to accept passed unanimously.
5. Mayor Task Force on the economy, see post below.
6. Pass Powderkeg Dummy Downhill, Council was requested to place a dummy in the upcoming event at the ski hill.
7. Sub division appeal board training, Councilor Gallant asked for council permission to attend a training session on March 3, Motion to accept passed unanimously
8. G+P meeting of Feb 22, council felt that there was insufficient work load form the meeting so it was cancelled.
9. Policy Committee Meeting dates, Mayor Decoux informed that the committee as not met yet, so he suggested that it meet monthly on the third Wednesday of the month at 1pm. Motion to accept passed unanimously.
Council Member reports
Councilor Saje gave an update about how well the ski hill is doing.
Some comments from the bylaw officer regarding angle parking on main street Blairmore.
Public Input: None
In Camera: None
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed unanimously.
Adoption of Agenda:
Councilor Gallant added under other business Sub division Appeal Board Training
Councilor Londsbury added under other business G+P Meeting of Feb 22
Mayor Decoux added under other business Policy Committee meeting Date
Motion to accept the amended Agenda was passed unanimously
Adoption of previous minutes.
1. Council meeting of February 1,2011 Councilor Saindon pointed out that the minutes did not reflect that he voted against the budget. Motion to accept the minutes with that change accepted unanimously.
2. Special Council meeting of January 25,2011 Motion to accept the minutes as presented passed unanimously.
Delegations: None
Administrative and Agency Reports: None
Business arising from the Minutes:
1. Bylaw 818,2011-Utility Rate Bylaw-This is the Bylaw that will increase Water and Sewer rates by 10%.
Committee Reports:
1. G+P minutes of Feb 8,2011 Motion to accept passed unanimously
Bylaws:
1. Bylaw 817,2011-Distribution Tariff Bylaw- 1st reading passed unanimously, 2nd reading passed unanimously, consideration for third reading passed unanimously, and 3rd reading passed unanimously.
2. Bylaw 818,2011-Utility Rate Bylaw- 1st reading passed unanimously, 2nd reading passed unanimously, consideration for third reading passed unanimously, and 3rd reading passed unanimously.
Notices of Motion:
Councilor Saje-Provided a Notice of Motion on Alternative Public Transportation. He stated that this would be above and beyond the present Town Rounder.
Other Business:
1. Quarterly and Annual Compliance Report-Motion to accept passed unanimously
2. Request to amend Current Funding agreement for Crowsnest Walking Trail Project. Timing to be extended from March 31st to October 31st. Motion to accept passed unanimously.
3. Request for Additional Funds towards Crowsnest Community Trails Project, the Department will be looking for an additional $133,000 in funding for the trails to come from grants and sponsorship. Motion to accept passed unanimously
4. Greenmore Development Agreement extension, request to extend to March 2012, (this is the new food bank building) Motion to accept passed unanimously.
5. Mayor Task Force on the economy, see post below.
6. Pass Powderkeg Dummy Downhill, Council was requested to place a dummy in the upcoming event at the ski hill.
7. Sub division appeal board training, Councilor Gallant asked for council permission to attend a training session on March 3, Motion to accept passed unanimously
8. G+P meeting of Feb 22, council felt that there was insufficient work load form the meeting so it was cancelled.
9. Policy Committee Meeting dates, Mayor Decoux informed that the committee as not met yet, so he suggested that it meet monthly on the third Wednesday of the month at 1pm. Motion to accept passed unanimously.
Council Member reports
Councilor Saje gave an update about how well the ski hill is doing.
Some comments from the bylaw officer regarding angle parking on main street Blairmore.
Public Input: None
In Camera: None
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed unanimously.
"Economic Task Force"
Tuesday Feb 15, Mayor Decoux announced the composition of his task force. He stated that they will report back by the last week of May, 2011. That they will meet a minimum of once a month either in person or by conference call.
First impression is a very impressive list, there obviously will be great expectations attached to this group and what they come back with.
Economic Task Force
Chairman Dr Frank Oliva: Former Dean at the University of Calgary
Task Force Members:
Doug Thornton: Former Councilor and Chair of the Economic Development Committee for the Town of Pincher Creek.
Lynnette Jessop: Serves on numerous boards and committees in the Crowsnest Pass
John E Squarek: President, CEO and director of several companies, currently a Director of the Alberta Clean Air Strategic Alliance
Ryan Gill: CEO/Partner of Suitcase Interactive a National Digital Marketing Agency.
Bruce Graham: President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development, currently spearheading the development and programming for the Global Business Centre for Southern Alberta.
Robert Tarleck: Former Mayor of Lethhbridge.
Janet Hyde: Consultant with Abiocon Stratergies Inc, worked previously in the Crowsnest Pass to develop an action plan for tourism.
Shane Stewart: Currently a developer in the Crowsnest Pass.
First impression is a very impressive list, there obviously will be great expectations attached to this group and what they come back with.
Economic Task Force
Chairman Dr Frank Oliva: Former Dean at the University of Calgary
Task Force Members:
Doug Thornton: Former Councilor and Chair of the Economic Development Committee for the Town of Pincher Creek.
Lynnette Jessop: Serves on numerous boards and committees in the Crowsnest Pass
John E Squarek: President, CEO and director of several companies, currently a Director of the Alberta Clean Air Strategic Alliance
Ryan Gill: CEO/Partner of Suitcase Interactive a National Digital Marketing Agency.
Bruce Graham: President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development, currently spearheading the development and programming for the Global Business Centre for Southern Alberta.
Robert Tarleck: Former Mayor of Lethhbridge.
Janet Hyde: Consultant with Abiocon Stratergies Inc, worked previously in the Crowsnest Pass to develop an action plan for tourism.
Shane Stewart: Currently a developer in the Crowsnest Pass.
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