By Kevin J Sabo
For the Independent
The Stettler Regional Library will see a small funding boost after council approved the 2019 Parkland Regional Library budget.
The budget, which was seen and passed by town council at their Oct. 16 regular meeting, will see a 1.6 per cent increase, which is lower than anticipated. This $0.13 increase per capita will work out to around a $770 total increase for requisition of almost $50,000.
“It’s quite well run,” said Coun. Gord Lawlor. “They are doing everything they can to keep costs under control.”
The Parkland Regional Library Board requires that their budgets are approved by members on a yearly basis, and the total requisition is based on regional population. The new budget will see the town paying $8.25 per person for the library.
“They had better performance than they thought,” said Stettler CAO Greg Switenky.
This 1.6 per cent increase for 2019 comes on the heels of a five per cent increase in the 2018, and budget indications for 2020 and beyond are showing modest 2 per cent per year increases until 2024.
Other council highlights:
• Council approved the schedule of the appointment of Deputy Mayor, with each council member taking on the position for an 8-month term, once during the current term.
• Heartland Beautification Committee is seeking approval of their 2019 budget at a proposed cost of $22,200, a budget consistent with past years. Approved by council.
• Coun. Wayne Smith reported to council that the Stettler Museum’s “Night at the Booseum” has been cancelled this year due to an insufficient number of volunteers.
• Coun. Scott Pfeiffer reported to council about his recent meeting with the Public Arts Centre (PAC) Committee. PAC will begin charging $1 per seat to groups using the PAC to aid in offsetting costs of equipment replacement. Some longstanding user groups have been grandfathered in at previous rates.
• The full Communities in Bloom report has been received. The town won bronze in the international competition, along with a 5-bloom rating for having a total score in excess of 84 per cent, along with a special mention of Stettler’s community Orchard initiative.
• The Nov. 6 council meeting has been moved to 4:30 p.m.