In the current state of the Alberta economy along with provincial government funding restraints, it’s no wonder that finances were top of mind in Bashaw town council recently.
At its meeting on Sept. 20, council had to look at value for taxpayers dollars in deciding where to spend on issues that came before.
The first subject that wound up being denied funding was the opportunity to partner with two other communities on the purchase and use of a portable digital speed feedback sign.
Bashaw RCMP did provide an opinion that signs such as these do work and that the statistics it would provide could prove useful in tracking trends.
However, a motion to pay one-third of the overall cost of just over $4,200 was unanimously defeated, based primarily on the sign not being worth it.
“Council essentially found that the sign would be of no value,” explained CAO Theresa Fuller.
“Council felt that the sign was not necessary after weighing the cost versus any benefits.”
Lights vs light
Administration was told to go back to the drawing board regarding a request for a pair of new street lights along 51 Street, between 52 and 53 Avenue, on the west side of the road.
Originally, there had been lights from the old school that illuminated the area. There are lights in the new parking lot that is now in that area, but the lights are on a timer and turn off at 11:30 p.m., leaving the area dark.
A quote from Fortis for the two poles and installation came in at just under $3,800 — not including other planning costs — a figure that council wasn’t pleased with.
“Administration was asked to go back to Fortis for a re-quote on just one pole with two lights on it and placed in a different spot,” Fuller stated.
It is anticipated a new quote will be back in front of council in time for the next meeting.
Other business
A coach with Bashaw Minor Hockey, Carmen Meger, appeared in front of council to request the earlier installation of the ice surface be considered for the 2019-20 season.
With the ice slated to be ready for the current season by the end of this week, Meger felt players in Bashaw are not getting the same advantages as in other communities which have their ice in upwards of two to three weeks earlier.
Fuller explained that more information is needed in order for council to consider making the change. For example, council would have to look at how much more the electrical costs would be to start early and whether there would be enough bookings during the extra days in order to make it economical for the town to do it.
Fuller added all of this would also have to be built into the budget for next year if it moved forward, noting that taxpayers currently support an operating deficit at the arena to the tune of about $50,000.