Lacombe City Council has given first and reading to the 2018 Tax Bylaw that included a 1.3 per cent tax rate increase.
Council was able to maintain a 1.3% property tax increase as proposed during deliberations for this year’s budget.
Third and final reading will be considered on May 14.
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Council approved allocations for $697,357 in surplus funds from the 2017 Operating Budget.
$104,909 will go toward General Capital, $192,963 to the Lacombe Police Service, $318,734 to the city’s water system and $130,741 to the wastewater system.
Council further directed that $130,741 be applied to an outstanding loan used to purchase sewage lagoon covers.
Council approved the funding from the solid waste reserve for $49,991 to cover the deficit in the solid waste utility.
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The roof of the Freightliner Curling Rink at the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex is leaking and in need of major repair.
Officials say the leaks are a result of lingering damage from a hail storm in 2015. The City of Lacombe’s insurer has declined to pick up the tab, leaving the City to cover the $350,000 cost of the repairs.
Council approved a budget allocation to replace the curling rink roof in 2018. Administration will investigate opinions of probable cost through a competitive process and devise recommended methods to cover the cost at a future council meeting.
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City council wants to put an end to trains blowing their whistles while rolling through Lacombe.
It’s one of several items council wants administration to incorporate into the City’s Strategic Plan.
Council also wants to see an increased priority placed on streets and crosswalks infrastructure, re- prioritize development of a healthy retail sector, address drainage issues and to prioritize a Bylaw service level review
The amended draft Strategic Plan will be considered for adoption at the regular Council meeting of May 28.
(Troy Gillard)
