The interim 2017 budget based on 2016 values with the exception of community organization funding requests and contract services amounts already confirmed to 2017, was approved unanimously by council at their regular meeting on Tues. Dec. 13 with revenues at $3,524,616 and expenditures of $3,523,558. with no increase in wages and benefits.
The budget shows no requisition for Assisted Living as that is now taken over by Alberta Health Services, a savings of $7000; an addition for fireworks for the Homecoming scheduled for July 1 weekend that will be offset somewhat by a Canada Day Grant; and no monies were put into the budget for any demolition projects for 2017.
Other increases budgeted for was for weed control, Curling Rink roof and picnic tables and fire pits for the campground.
Insurance for the electronic sign at $30,000 value is an additional $25 per year.
The bylaw for the appointment of mayor for Coronation which will require council to elect the mayor from amongst themselves at every annual organization meeting passed third and final reading. Prior to the passing of this bill, the mayor was elected by councillors following the election and remained in office until the next election.
Council supported the grant application for Labour Market Partnership Program (Alberta Human Services) for $45,000 which the application specified a 2,000 cash contribution by the Town of Coronation and $4,000 in kind contribution.
Labour Market Partnership is an economic opportunities task force formed as a result of the Climate Leadership Plan proposed by the Government of Alberta. The Climate Leadership Plan will impact two of the region’s large employer’s, the ATCO Battle River Coal Generating Plant and the Paintearth Surface Strip Mine.
Communities involved are the towns of Forestburg, Castor, Coronation, the village of Halkirk, the the counties of Paintearth and Flagstaff.
Council expressed disappointment in not being allowed to attend a meeting in Leduc with the Coal Coalition Advisory Panel stating “they want money, but we weren’t allowed to go. Six thousand for not much say,” stated Coun. Jackie Brigley.
A big part of the study, said CAO Kulyk, will be looking at where other revenue streams can be found. Coronation does not have a direct impact but definitely an impact. If the county’s revenue goes down, our requisitions will go up.
