Not as fun as Cochrane Light Up the annual budget deliberations of last Friday make up part of council’s seasonal activities. Like Light Up, the budget is all about Cochrane.
With a growing population of more than 26,000, serving Cochrane’s needs gets ever more complex. This year’s budget decision reflects this and importantly, reflects the tough economic times we’re all facing. It was important to me going into the budget to ensure we delivered good value for our tax dollars, kept taxes low, and supported the needs and wants of the community.
And this budget of $55.2 million delivers on that. Town administration reflected council’s wishes by proposing a very tight budget with a suggested tax increase of only .88 per cent. Council whittled that down to a .83 per cent tax increase while keeping utility rates and most fees level while expanding on support to community services.
The suggested tax increase of $17.22 for the average home allows Cochrane to deliver existing services and includes the position of deputy fire chief, key to fire safety, and needed funding increases to ensure continued services from the regional handibus services, the library, and victim services, all of which are seeing increased use due to growth. Council also increased community grants to support the work of the Activettes and amazing community events like Cochrane Light Up and the Labour Day Parade.
This budget plans for more than $18 million of capital projects in 2017 with more than $11 million toward transportation and wastewater projects including next steps on the Bow River Bridge project and traffic signals on Griffin Road. Monies were also dedicated for a second elevator at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre with the hopes that our co-owners, Rocky View County, can match it and this much needed elevator can be added to the facility.
Council also reviewed the financial strategy for the Aquatic and Curling/Multisport Centre that is on track for next summer. Council decided against refinancing the project and opted to use $1.4 million from the sale of the Old Town Hall site to help fund the project.
While Council received very little public input on budget, I worked hard to ensure the ideas, concerns, and feedback that I hear throughout the year were reflected in my decision making. I’m very proud of this budget, as I believe it reflects the values of Cochrane.
Council is scheduled to formally adopt the budget at our December meeting and I’m confident that it will ensure a very good 2017 for Cochrane.
To connect with Councillor McFadden or to receive her Council updates, please email [email protected] or call 403-519-9619.
