Council approved the Parkland Regional Library proposed budget for 2020 for $3,469,158 at their regular meeting on Oct. 3.
A requisition to the Village of Forestburg will be requisitioned at $8.55 per capita which is a 30 cent per capita increase that will result in a $262.50 total increase over last year’s, totalling $7,481.25 for the village.
A revised budget may need to be issued after the provincial budget is announced, as there are concerns that library funding will be cut significantly in the next provincial budget.
Arena operating budget
Forestburg council granted a funding request by the Forestburg Arena Association of $45,000 to assist with their operating budget for 2020.
This is a 12.5 per cent increase over the $40,000 they received for this year.
“The Forestburg Arena Association has continually shown their ability to manage the facility and to manage the funds provided by the Village,” said Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Deb Moffat.
High vacancy rates Mayor Blaise Young reported on the Flagstaff Regional Housing meeting, sharing concerns about high vacancy rates in seniors lodging all across the province.
Today, more accessible home care and services such as Meals on Wheels, allows seniors to remain in their own homes longer.
“One success we have is having 10 fully self-contained units [at Big Knife Villa], and I know that they will stay full,” said Young.
“The average age is 84 in the self-contained units in Forestburg and it’s lower all over the province.
“The only thing is that we think we could attract more seniors if we had medical services available in the lodge,” said Young.
Jody Pettigrew
ECA Review
