Melfort council to accept four new requests for 2020 budget, results in slight tax increase

“I think we’re past [staying below a two per cent tax increase]”, Mayor Rick Lang told northeastNOW. “What’s in the budget is needed and there are no further adjustments we’ve identified that can be made. We’ll probably be looking at that 2.07 per cent increase. The only thing that could potentially change that is when we get our new assessment figures from SAMA.

“Council is comfortable with [2.07 per cent]. It’s almost running at the inflation rate. You fund what needs to be funded and the number that comes out in the end is the number. You find all the efficiencies and cut that number as far as you can.”

Lang said the only addition that will impact the tax base is the promotion of the two lieutenants in the Melfort Fire Department. He said it’s a permanent change, but it won’t serve as a bridge gap between Fire Chief Jason Everitt or his future successor.

“The process of hiring a new fire chief is in the works right now,” he said. “I think we’re very close to having somebody hired. I suspect we’ll see a new fire chief potentially by the end of the year.”

Melfort’s surplus of $273,103 will be split 50/50 into special capital and facility maintenance reserves.

The four additional items in the 2020 budget will be brought forward to Melfort council as soon as the next regular meeting of council on Monday, Jan. 13.

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aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @SchulzePANow

by Aaron Schulze

Melfort council to accept four new requests for 2020 budget, results in slight tax increase

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