Stirling Council tackles capital budget shortfall

Ron Riemann
Westwind Weekly News

The Village of Stirling has a shortfall in its capital budget, and what to do about that shortfall was the focus of a recent discussion by council at their regular meeting on April 5.
Chief Administrative Officer Mike Selk began the talks with the province’s continual support and dollars through Municipal Sustainability Initiative. Even with the province’s help, Selk’s Excel sheet presentation indicated a shortfall of approximately $66,000.
Several key areas of capital improvements this year include paving, sewer main replacement, and rural water upgrades. Selk asked Council if they want to set aside funds for their contribution in the school modernization project. He said $125,000 was committed for the project.
The Public Works department requested an excavator, and $40,000 was set aside for a used excavator. Selk said in seeking quotes for used excavators, one company offered a brand new unit, through municipal discounts, for $12,000 more. Selk said it makes sense to spend the extra money for a new unit. He said other items are moving forward. Nearly $80,000 is being set aside for renovations in the Village office and ATB space. Another $25,000 will be used for the replacement of the fire hall roof.
Selk said the capital list did not need to be approved that evening. If Council wanted to reduce some money from any capital project, they could do so or wait and promote more discussions on any specific capital line items.
Selk was optimistic the Village could recover from the shortfall.
“Let us go back and work on this. I think we were in a way better place… than when we talked about this in December,” said Selk.
Council moved to table the discussion until the next meeting.