Atikokan proposed budget hits mayor’s objectives
The town of Atikokan intends to spend more than $29 million this year.
The proposed budget reflects Mayor Rob Ferguson’s directive last fall for a budget that included a tax increase of no more than 2%.
He says the use of new legislation achieved the goals he wanted.
“Using my strong Mayor’s powers was, one, to have the budget out earlier, which we’ve been talking about for years,” says Ferguson.
“By getting the budget out earlier, that gives the department heads a clear vision of what they’re going to do and how they’re going to spend their money.”
Ferguson says it also allows the town to get projects moving more quickly and seek out contractors sooner in hopes of getting a better price.
Capital spending is listed at $15.9 million.
The biggest expense will be replacing the bridge on McKenzie Avenue, estimated at $5.5 million, with grants covering about 40% of the construction costs.
The town expects to have more money to work from, with revenue projections to top $20 million.
This includes more than $5.7 million coming from the provincial government and $855 thousand from the federal government.
User fees will account for another $3.7 million.
“This ended up way better than I anticipated,” says Treasurer Brandy Coulson.
“I thought it would be more money from reserves, but because of all the extra revenue we’ve had this year and last, we’re going to be taking less, way less from reserves than I expected.”
The town budgets for more than $5.7 million in funding from the provincial government and another $855,000 from the federal government.
User fees will account for another $3.7 million.
Atikokan will pay about $42,000 more to the District of Rainy River Services Board, $6,500 more to the Northwestern Health Unit and $81,000 more on its policing contract with the Ontario Provincial Police.
Formal approval of the budget is expected to come within the next month.
