Raymond Council approves operating and capital budgets

Posted on April 17, 2017 by Westwind Weekly

Ron Riemann
Westwind Weekly News

Raymond Town Council met April 4 to review and approve their operating and capital budget for 2017. In terms of operational priorities, money set aside for projects include $90,000 for upgrades to the Stampede Grounds, $25,000 to the Historic Resource Committee and municipal intern for the Historic Resource Inventory Project, $15,000 for promotion of economic development and business growth, which includes trade shows and proposed industrial developments. Community Services was provided $10,000 for a walking path located at the Southern and Stone Gate loop area near the golf course. Planning and designs are underway for this project.

In terms of capital priorities, projects funded by the provincial Municipal Sustainability Initiative include $275,000 for the infrastructure of a new seniors lodge, $200,000 for the Streets Improvement Program, more specifically, 100N between Knight Street and East Park and $50,000 for the landscaping and rubber path installation at Victoria Park.

Council moved on fees and charges for 2017. Fees for many of the services stayed on par with 2016. Notable exceptions included a slight increase in a family membership at the Raymond Golf Course. The golf course has dropped their fee to play nine holes during the week from $17.00 to $15.00, while cart rentals are up $2.00 to $20.00 for nine holes. Gas and electric cart storage use for club members will see a hike of $100.00.

Fees for services related to sports fields, Council waived the $7.00 school program per person. Services offered in football and soccer will see a fee jump from $7.00 in 2016 to $20.00 in 2017.

Services offered in Municipal Utilities and Solid Waste will see a $1.00 increase in residential monthly fees and $1.50 in commercial fees. Institution fees will jump $7.00 to $147.00 over twelve months. Finally, dogs, not spayed or neutered will see an annual license cost $50.00, a $3.00 jump.

A dog fancier’s license will rise from $41.00 to $50.00. A complete list of capital and operational projects, fees and rates can be found on the Town’s website, raymond.ca

Council discussed Bylaw 1035-17 Tax Rate and Mayor George Bohne reported a hold in taxes and that there was no change in the mill rate. The only exception was with the Senior Foundation, which has requisitioned a few more dollars.

Coun. Jim Depew made a motion for first reading to be approved and pass the information to the public. Motion was carried.

During round table discussions, Coun. Greg Robinson talked about the old Care Centre and the value of having Council involved in discussions and its future.

“I see no harm and I hope that Council supports sending at least one of our members from Council, not to strike up a committee necessarily, but to involve themselves with the committee that’s already there,” he said. “To share information and to really show the community that we do care about the building at the end of the day.”

He added if Council doesn’t try and participate with the people that are very passionate about this, then Council is sending the wrong message.

Coun. Barry Wolsey suggested Robinson and Coun. Cathy Needham represent Council.

Council made a motion to send up to two representatives, one being an alternate, with the understanding that the historical committee accepts Council’s request.