Bashaw has divided up provincially available funding and also approved several other monetary support requests.
At it’s meeting held Jan. 4, town council approved the biggest contribution request by portioning out the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) funds to the Bashaw Youth Foundation (BYF) and Bashaw District Support Services (BDSS), though at levels less than the two groups requested.
BDSS got just over $45,800 while BYF received $15,000 from the FCSS funding model, which see the province, Camrose County and town contribute — the latter two based upon a per capita contribution.
Back in November, both groups made presentations that asked for just under $56,000 and $23,700 respectively. However, there was $60,829 available, so council split the money on a 70/30 basis similar to what has been done previously.
However, this time around, Coun. Lynn Schultz expressed his displeasure with having to deal the two groups a less then desirable hand.
“When I look at what these two groups do, are we really supporting them as good as we should be?” he asked.
CAO Theresa Fuller explained these funds can be increased, however it would be at a cost to taxpayers since it would impact the town’s 2018 budget — which is presently being developed. She added any bump may also impact another decision council might make during budget talks — the potential of an increased contribution to the medical clinic in order to maintain the present level of service.
Mayor Penny Shantz asked if council would want to discuss all three funding requests later during the budget process. However, council didn’t want to leave the groups with any more uncertainty.
“We could look at these funds as a minimum amount and look to see during budget if we could top that money up some,” suggested Coun. Rosella Peterman.
The rest of council agreed and approved the FCSS funding as recommended with Schultz adding, “We need to let them both know that we are going to look at this again down the road with the possibility of adding more funding.”
More funding
Council also approved requests from the Bashaw Public Library for $8,500 to continue operations, $5,000 for the Bashaw Bus Society and using $3,100 of fire department equipment reserves for upgrades to the new rescue unit being built.
The library and bus society were looking for the same level of operation funding as in 2017, while Bashaw Fire Department Chief Mike Andriatz made the request in order to get a number of needed add-ons installed in the unit as it is being built. The work includes installation of a new 12,000 lbs winch and push bar with high-powered LED lights to go along with added shelving, electrical outlets and USB ports.
The overall cost for the upgrades is $5,900, but the fire department was only looking to have the town provide $3,100 as there were still $2,800 in donations available to spend.
Fuller stated the work would be easier to do now, cost less and take less time than if the fire department had to make the upgrades themselves. The only issue was where the funds would come from, with Coun. Rob McDonald moving that the money come from the town’s emergency equipment reserve.
“Reserves are the way to go, that’s why they are there so why not use them,” he said.