Kneehill County approved their interim operating budget for 2021 at the Dec. 8 regular meeting of council.
The interim budget was presented by Director of Corporate Services Bill McKennan.
“It’s really a procedural item that allows departments to continue their normal expenditures,” said McKennan.
“Municipalities need to adopt an interim operating budget to continue day to day operations until the annual operating budget is adopted by council,” stated McKennan in his report to council.
“Administration is recommending that council pass an interim operating budget based on approximately 50 per cent of the approved 2020 operating budget as detailed in Appendix I.
“Some budgetary accounts have been reflected at less than 50 per cent due to issues such as non-recurring items or known factors that would adjust the 2021 budget compared to 2020.
“The fiscal year for all municipalities in Alberta is the calendar year, starting Jan, 1 and ending Dec. 31.
“The approval of an interim operating budget is required to comply with legislation since the 2021 annual operating budget will not be adopted prior to Jan. 1, 2021.
“The approval of the interim will allow for the payment of expenses for normal operating needs and the provision of services to the ratepayers. Section 242(2) of the Municipal Government Act provides the legislative authority for councils to adopt an interim operating budget for part of a calendar year.”
McKennan stated during his presentation even though the basis of the interim budget is a 50 per cent quote of last year’s budget, some sections, such as revenues, would be less because much of it is tax revenue that won’t be collected until the fall of 2021.
He also noted the interim budget wouldn’t include any new initiatives that councillors might consider during the regular 2021 budgeting process. Plus, the interim operating budget would be based on existing service standards.
Councillors unanimously approved the 2021 interim operating budget.
Stu Salkeld, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
