Erin Braaten, Cochrane’s manager of financial services, presented the 2013 quarter one financial report to council, which included the actual 2012 budget operating surplus of $612,922.
The surplus was a result of $500,000 more than budgeted from licences, permits and police fines, and $700,000 extra in user fees for gas, electric, plumbing, water/wastewater and bulk water sales.
The town’s personnel costs were $900,000 more than expected for 2012, due to a retroactive pay increase.
So far, all of the town’s major capital projects – infrastructure, facilities, equipment and technology – are within budget.
Grants handed out
Council also approved the distribution of $20,043 in community grants to a variety of organizations.
Cochrane and Area Events Society (CAES) received $6,000 for three separate endeavours – the Labour Day Parade, SummerFest and WinterFest.
The Lions Club of Cochrane, Bow Valley Habitat Development, Spray Lake Sawmills Recreation Park Society, Holy Spirit Catholic School Parent Advisory Council and Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area all were provided $2,000, equal to what each requested. Cochrane Minor Soccer received $1,500; Seniors for Kids Society $1,000; All Saints Family Centre Society $893; and Nakoda Cochrane Pickin’ Party Music Jam Society got $650.
Two organizations did not receive any of the funding they requested.
Bow Valley Rugby Club was denied $2,000 for the purchase of a cargo utility trailer. The town indicated that the request did not meet the criteria for capital improvements, as it did not benefit the community and was focused on one specific group.
One Rock, a music festival being held at St. Francis Retreat Centre July 26-28, also did not see any grant funding, as the organization is not located within the Cochrane town limits.
One Rock, a music festival being held at St. Francis Retreat Centre July 26-28, also did not see any grant funding, as the organization is not located within the Cochrane town limits.
Unlike years past, grant funding will only be distributed once in 2013. The deadline for applying was May 1.
