I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
On behalf of Council and Town of Hanna staff, I wish everyone the best for 2019.
In December, Council adopted the Operating and Capital Budget for 2019.
In this budget, there is a proposed one per cent tax increase.
As expenses inflate due to the increase in the cost of living we have the hard choice of cutting services or slightly increasing taxes.
Every municipality receives infrastructure funding from the provincial government through the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI).
To make the most out of these funds council and administration combine two years’ worth, approximately $634,000 per year so that we can complete a larger project.
While there is never a shortage of infrastructure projects, this allocation will most likely be used for streets and road repair.
Although $1.3 million may seem like a lot of money it really doesn’t go as far as you would think.
As an example, if we were to replace sewer and water on one block, including repaving, the cost is approximately $1 million.
Last year we were fortunate in receiving funding to resurface the airport runway, which was in need of repair.
This rehabilitation will serve the airport well into the future.
Respectfully,
Chris Warwick, Mayor
