Rimbey town council is moving ahead with its $5.1 million operating budget, although the school requisition remains an unknown at this time.
The town will move $172,655 into its reserves, but plan to use this money throughout the year, plus an additional $2,000 from the existing $1.1 million in reserves for capital expenditures.
“Coun. Jack Webb, at the Feb. 23 meeting, said he is comfortable with that decision.
“If $2,000 is going to make or break the town, we’re doing something wrong.”
“The decision to use the money in reserves for capital projects is being “fiscally responsible,” said Donna Tona, interim chief administrative officer.
This year’s $1.495 million capital budget includes upgrades for the NE lagoon drainage ditch for $700,000. However, completion of the project depends on municipal sustainable initiative funding.
Renovations at the Peter Lougheed Community Centre are to include three new HVAC units for $180,000, a stand by generator for $85,000, new arena LED lights for $50,000, an ice plant computer board for $15,000, a swipe key security system for $10,000 and $5,000 for nursery school renovations. Twelve thousand dollars has been earmarked for a new tread climber for the fitness centre.
Chemical room ventilation for $15,000 at the Rimbey Aquatic Centre, a police package for the community policing vehicle at $27,000, and $47,000 for upgrades to the RCMP building, yard and parking lot are also included in the capital budget.
Upgrades to the main water reservoir and pump house upgrades for $75,000 and a new water well study for $57,700 are also planned.