A Heartland Youth Center (HYC) delegation, including participating youth, presented their 2017 budget to Stettler town council at the Jan. 17 meeting, sharing examples of the impact the center has had on area youth.
With 270 registered members ages 6 to 18, HYC is home to the Boys and Girls Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters programs, offering after school programs, activities, and mentorship to Stettler town and county kids.
Adult volunteers include 53 involved with activities and 97 in fundraising, while 43 teen volunteers are involved as leaders, mentors and in service to the club and community.
Recognizing the importance of the HYC to the community, the town of Stettler has contributed $40,000 to the center each year since Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) funding was discontinued in 2013.
With total revenue of $87,700 and projected fundraising of $127,700, the youth center still faces a 2017 budget deficit of $91,410.
Committed to sustainable funding, town council accepted the 2017 Operating Budget as presented and unanimously approved a contribution of $40,000 to HYC.
The Heartland Youth Center is jointly funded by the Town and County of Stettler.
Handibus Society
The Stettler and District Handibus Society also presented their 2017 Operating Budget at the meeting.
Noting a decrease in passenger fares and an increase in wages and benefits, the society projects a deficit of $22,900 in their operating budget.
Further discussions included the as yet unknown impact of the carbon tax and alternative funding suggestions.
Stettler council accepted the budget as presented and approved a $20,000 funding request.
New turf mower awarded
In the 2016 Capital budget, council approved $120,000 for the replacement of the John Deere 11 foot turf mower.
Tenders from Cervus Equipment Ltd. for a John Deere at $74,150 and Oak Creek Golf and Turf for a Toro at $77,870 were received.
Each tender included a two- year warranty.
Both bids came in under the approved budgeted price.
After testing both machines, Stettler Parks and Leisure Services (PLS) staff came to the conclusion that the Toro had much better controls, a faster cutting speed, and was designed with easy access for service operations.
PLS administration presented their conclusions to council, noting that the enhanced lifetime productivity gained with the Toro model would more justify the slightly higher initial price.
Council accepted the recommendations and opted to purchase the Toro from Oak Creek Golf and Turf for $77,870.
