Town Budget
1
Agenda
Moderator: ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
Victoria MacDonald, Chief Administrative Officer
Introduction of Council Mayoral Address Accomplishments Municipal Operations Project Updates Town Development Moving Forward 2015 Draft Budget Taxation Town Utilities Rates and Options Citizen Engagement Questions / Suggestions / Ideas from the Floor Closing Remarks
2
Vern Stratton (Elected January 2015 By-Election) Rob Watt Rachael Steinke Joe Hordyski Erin Carter Doreen Polischuk (Deputy Mayor) Thomas Sierzycki (Mayor)
3
New skateboard park
New Subdivision (30 lots that are fully serviced, Cost: $2 million)
New Library ($1.2 million) and Town office modernization
New Infrastructure Equipment (dump trucks, refuse truck and admin vehicle)
New Fire Department Apparatus (Front line pumper and tanker truck)
Water and Sewer Distribution
Feasibility study for a new multi-plex
Extensive Paving Projects
Academia and professional relationship building
4
Completed New Double Tennis Court in Morley Wilson Park
Repairs to Pavement and Sidewalks from municipal infrastructure repairs
Repairs to long outstanding drainage problem areas on Riese Drive and on the corner of Quandt and Studer
Airport Staff Safety Management Systems Training and successful completion of Transport Canada’s Safety Audit
Organizational Development Plan
Council Implemented paperless meetings with All-Net Meetings software
La Ronge area was the first in Saskatchewan to be awarded the Community Builder Program, a Free Online Leadership Development Course developed by Ian Hill
◦ Operational Implementation Work ◦ Council Governance Implementation Work
5
Transitioning
to a Single Staff Model
Allows Council to focus on Governance and Decision Making with the goal of effective communication
6
Staffing:
Hired for Existing Positions: ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Manager of Infrastructure Deputy Fire Chief Water & Sewer Operators (1 F/T and added 1 Weekend/Casual Contractor) Animal Control Contractor
New Positions Added and Hired:
◦ Manager of Regional Waste & Recycling (LLRRWMC) ◦ Created a Lead Hand Position at Airport and added one more operator position ( Full staff of 3 ) ◦ Bylaw/Building Officer ◦ Deputy CAO (January 2015)
7
Projects: Update Organizational Development
Ongoing project to implement recommendations of the 2014 Final Report from the Organizational Review
The six areas that are covered overall are: ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
Leadership Development Integrated Planning Reporting & Communication Workplace Structure Systems & Policies Training & Knowledge Development
Council has engaged Roy Anderson & Associates to facilitate the Governance work of the Change Plan
The Senior Management Team is now independently implementing Phase 1 of the operational Change Plan 8
Projects: Update Generators for Sewage Lift Stations – Allow for municipal water service to remain operational during power outages
Applied for funding from the New Build Canada Fund, in partnership with the Northern Municipal Trust Account (NMTA) for: ◦ Permanent Standby Generators and associated upgrades for Sewage Pumping Stations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and the Sewage Treatment Plant; and, one Portable Generator and associated upgrades at the other 5 Sewage Pumping Stations
Total cost of the project is estimated at $4 Million
Town’s portion would be 1/12th the total cost
◦ Northern Revenue Sharing Pool would contribute 1/12th ◦ NMTA and Government Funds would provide 10/12ths
9
Projects: Update Contour Mapping
Associated Engineering completed image mapping using areal images of the Town
These maps include the contours of the land, roads and existing infrastructure locations
This tool will improve accuracy of information and aid in decisions for infrastructure development and repairs, including future expansion of municipal services (Sewer and Water) and better inform drainage plans for the community 10
Projects: Update Residential Fire Breaks
Areas behind residences are being cleared to provide fire fighter access and remove fire fuel Phase 1 was completed in 2014 Phase 2 will be completed in 2015 Additional maintenance to clean up forested areas of Town will be undertaken to lessen the risk of wildfires within forested areas in Town boundaries
11
Town Development Industrial and Residential Lots
An additional 12 lots M1-Industrial (Light) subdivided in 2011-12
Rezoned additional parcels in M2-Industrial (General) in 2014
$20,000 Price Incentive on all lots in the new Mowery Subdivision April 1 – May 31 Lot prices start at $40,000 with the discount All lots are development ready: fully cleared and leveled with paved roads, sidewalks, street lights and all utilities to the property (Natural Gas, Power, Water and Sewer lines)
12
Town Development Improving Quality of Service
Renovations & Upgrades to Town Office ◦ External facelift had been done however it is time for internal space, work stations and some equipment updates
Renovations & Upgrades to Town Shop ◦ The current building has outlived it’s expected lifespan. Plans are to transition the staff to a new building with existing building used for storage.
13
Town Development Improving Neighbourhoods
Added speed radar signs to Hildebrand Drive
Beach front improvements; new floating dock
Consulting underway with local residents for a proposed pedestrian walking path along Northern part of La Ronge Ave to McKenzie Point Park ◦ Will also have speed radar installed near the park
14
Moving Forward Organizational Effectiveness & Sustainability
Strategic Plan: Council has held strategic planning workshop, more to come. Focused around the recommendations of Organizational Review- Community input on Vision, Mission & Mandate
Policies and Procedures: Formalizing and Updating to ensure Town processes are understood by everyone
Official Community Plan: A new one will be developed in 2015 – will be looking for public input and ideas as this progresses
Update Zoning Bylaw: As part of OCP update process and will examine the need for affordable housing, industrial lot use and location 15
East Crescent completed Summer 2014
Over 75% of La Ronge now has access to Natural Gas ◦ 700 lots have access ◦ 457 are now using service
Approximately $3M investment by SaskEnergy into community (2009-14)
Areas not yet covered must have majority of neighbourhood sign up
◦ Paper residential applications available at Town office or visit www.sasktenergy.com 16
Town Budget (2015 Draft)
Town of La Ronge Budget: $ 6,700,000.00 Property Taxation: $ 1,980,000.00 Grant In Lieu: $ 159,000.00 NMTA Revenue Sharing: $ 1,670,000.00 In Trust $ 3,100,000.00 Balance: Fees and Charges Sales Program Grants and Contributions Northern Lights School Div: $ 818,608.00
17
2015 Budgeted Expenditures Infrastructure
Community Services
Protective Services
Administration
22%
52%
12%
14%
• Infrastructure : Transportation, Airport, Water & Sewer Utility and Waste Disposal • Community Services: Recreation Administration, Uniplex, Parks & Playgrounds, Recreation Programs • Protective Services: Policing, Animal Control, Fire Department, Building •Administration: All remaining expenditures; Office staff, supplies and maintenance, Council wages
18
•This chart presents the municipal tax generated per resident of the municipality. • As the exhibit shows, the analysis indicated that La Ronge generated$584 in municipal tax for each resident it services in 2012 in 2013 it raised slightly to $672, still below the average of the five municipalities indicated by the horizontal dotted line. ◦The municipal tax generated per person is calculated by dividing the total taxes (Schedule 1 of the financial statements) by the total municipal population (2011 Census).
19
Municipality
Total municipal commercial
Total municipal residential
taxes per $200,000
taxes per $200,000
Tisdale $7,851 $2,407 Shellbrook $10,140 $3,276 Birch Hills* $9,240 $3,080 Nipawin $4,993 $1,934 Carrot River $8,280 $3,220 Creighton* $4,050 $1,890 La Ronge* $4,925 $2,445 Battleford $3,108 $1,826 Hudson Bay $3,092 $1,890 Maidstone $3,450 $2,536 _____________________________________________________________ Average $5,913 $2,450 _____________________________________________________________ Source: Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Backgrounder, October 18, 2013
20
Taxation 101
Your municipal taxes are based on the evaluation undertaken by the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) The last revaluation: 2013 Based on Jan. 1, 2011 Market Conditions Next Revaluation: 2017 Will be based on Jan 1, 2015 Market Conditions The municipal taxes you pay are calculated based on their assessment of your property
Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency: 1-800-667-7262 Or www.samaview.ca
Your municipal property tax calculation is shown in the following formula:
Your Tax Bill = Base Tax + [ (Taxable Assessment x (Mill Rate x Mill Rate Factor)) / 1,000 ]
The taxation year (Town's Fiscal Year) is January 1 - December 31, with the property taxes due December 31 ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
5% discount on municipal taxes if you pay your taxes before Sep. 30th; 4% discount before Oct. 31st; and 2% discount before Nov. 30th If your current year's taxes remain unpaid after December 31st, you will be charged a penalty of 5% on January 1st and July 1st on any outstanding balances. ◦ Payment plans and On-line Payment options available. Check with your banking institution or contact the Town Office
21
Town Utilities
Water and Sewer Rates Water and Sewer Rates:
◦ Operating at a deficit. (2014 Estimated Average of -$385,200.00/yr from 2011-14) ◦ Capital expansion and upgrades continue to be highly dependent on grants from the provincial and federal government. ◦ Unexpected problems such as upgrades to the sewage treatment facility to deal with extended cold weather mean additional costs ◦ Into 2030, exclusively for Town operated systems, approximately $5 Million is needed for replacement and upgrades to current system ◦ In order to cover operating and capital costs it is estimated that the Town would have to increase its current rates by 360% ◦ Rather, the Town’s proposal to phase in the increases over a 5 year period was approved by the Saskatchewan Municipal Board and began in 2015: 30% annual increases for 4 years and 15% in final year. Thereafter hoped that increases can be limited to the rate of inflation or other built-in measure.
◦ Currently the Town operates on a flat rate basis, but is investigating the installation of water meters
22
Town Utilities
Initial Report on Water Meter Installation What would be the expected outcome of Water Meters? A more fair distribution of costs: Those that use more pay more? Lower utility bills: Can that be achieved with Water Meters? Reduce water consumption?
What are the costs and how would they be distributed? Capital costs to purchase the equipment Additional staffing time for meter reading/processing Ongoing maintenance costs
The capital operation and maintenance costs would need to be weighted against possible savings: Increase life span for sewage treatment plant Increase life span for the 12 sewage lift stations Reduce demand on regional water plant, delay upgrades
23
Town Utilities
Initial Report on Water Meter Installation SaskWater prepared an initial Water Meter Study to provide background information for Town of La Ronge Council in early April, 2015 Highlights:
◦ Studies by Environment Canada indicate metering can substantially decrease consumption by 50% to 65% ◦ Estimated decrease for the Town of La Ronge would be 40% to 50% due to the winter climate and geology of the area; shallow/dead-end lines ◦ Metering System purchase and installation costs estimated to be $690,000 ◦ Meters and meter reading heads have a life expectancy of 15 years. Other system components, data collectors, software, etc. would likely need to be updated every 5 years ◦ Replacement, repair and update costs could be included as an item in the monthly billings to customers as is the practice in other communities with a metering system
24
Town Utilities Initial Report on Water Meter Installation
The report indicated that the initial scan of the issue of installing Water Meters for the Town of La Ronge: ◦ The metering system related costs compared to the projected water and sewer system future upgrade costs (Approx $8 Million into 2030) would pay off in the medium and long term. ◦ In the short term, over the next 5 years, the Town has begun to implement plans to raise utility rates with the intent that by 2020 the capital, operation, and maintenance cost of the water and sewer system will be covered by the fees for the water and sewer service. ◦ This is likely to make it difficult for the public to wish to undertake the increase in rates to cover the purchase and installation of a Water Metering system 25
Town Utilities Initial Report on Water Meter Installation
Additional Considerations: ◦ Residents without a functioning heat trace would have to have it replaced or would incur high costs for leaving the water running. This would be at their cost. ◦ If the Town of La Ronge installs Water Meters and reduces consumption, the current arrangement with the Lac La Ronge Regional Water Corporation which owns and operates the Water Treatment Plant in Patterson Park, is not equipped to determine only the Town’s portion of water used, so the Town’s annual contribution would remain at 43% of total operating costs. 26
Town Utilities Initial Report on Water Meter Installation
“Testing the Water” ◦ Do you think that the Town of La Ronge should move forward with Water Meters?
Next Steps: If strongly desired, a full cost/benefit analysis report to determine recommended rates would be undertaken. A revision of the Bylaws to reflect the change in the structure of supplying the service would also be required
27
Citizen Engagement
Committees of Council with community members ◦ Parks and Recreation ◦ Board of Revision, Development Appeals ◦ Northern Saskatchewan Environmental Quality Committee
Municipal Election, Fall of 2016 Interested, but not sure where or how to start? ◦ Become more confident, learn at your own pace, on-line, for free: increase your leadership skills and receive a Certificate of Completion. Choose your learning focus: Youth and Adult register14f.becomingacommunitybuilder.ca
28
Citizen Engagement How to Connect with Your Municipality
Information on Events, Public Notices, Bylaws, Minutes, Council meetings and more available at www.laronge.ca Comments, concerns and suggestions on municipal infrastructure, public spaces, or other operational matters should be directed to the Town Office at 306-425-2066 or [email protected] Please forward any complaints or items you would like direct follow up on in writing
Governance and Policy concerns can be directed to Mayor & Council Contact information also available on the Town website
29
Questions Suggestions Ideas
30
Thank you From Thomas Sierzycki, Mayor Erin Carter Joe Hordyski Doreen Polischuk Rachael Steinke Vern Stratton Robert Watt 31
Agenda
Moderator: ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
Victoria MacDonald, Chief Administrative Officer
Introduction of Council Mayoral Address Accomplishments Municipal Operations Project Updates Town Development Moving Forward 2015 Draft Budget Taxation Town Utilities Rates and Options Citizen Engagement Questions / Suggestions / Ideas from the Floor Closing Remarks
2
Vern Stratton (Elected January 2015 By-Election) Rob Watt Rachael Steinke Joe Hordyski Erin Carter Doreen Polischuk (Deputy Mayor) Thomas Sierzycki (Mayor)
3
New skateboard park
New Subdivision (30 lots that are fully serviced, Cost: $2 million)
New Library ($1.2 million) and Town office modernization
New Infrastructure Equipment (dump trucks, refuse truck and admin vehicle)
New Fire Department Apparatus (Front line pumper and tanker truck)
Water and Sewer Distribution
Feasibility study for a new multi-plex
Extensive Paving Projects
Academia and professional relationship building
4
Completed New Double Tennis Court in Morley Wilson Park
Repairs to Pavement and Sidewalks from municipal infrastructure repairs
Repairs to long outstanding drainage problem areas on Riese Drive and on the corner of Quandt and Studer
Airport Staff Safety Management Systems Training and successful completion of Transport Canada’s Safety Audit
Organizational Development Plan
Council Implemented paperless meetings with All-Net Meetings software
La Ronge area was the first in Saskatchewan to be awarded the Community Builder Program, a Free Online Leadership Development Course developed by Ian Hill
◦ Operational Implementation Work ◦ Council Governance Implementation Work
5
Transitioning
to a Single Staff Model
Allows Council to focus on Governance and Decision Making with the goal of effective communication
6
Staffing:
Hired for Existing Positions: ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Manager of Infrastructure Deputy Fire Chief Water & Sewer Operators (1 F/T and added 1 Weekend/Casual Contractor) Animal Control Contractor
New Positions Added and Hired:
◦ Manager of Regional Waste & Recycling (LLRRWMC) ◦ Created a Lead Hand Position at Airport and added one more operator position ( Full staff of 3 ) ◦ Bylaw/Building Officer ◦ Deputy CAO (January 2015)
7
Projects: Update Organizational Development
Ongoing project to implement recommendations of the 2014 Final Report from the Organizational Review
The six areas that are covered overall are: ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
Leadership Development Integrated Planning Reporting & Communication Workplace Structure Systems & Policies Training & Knowledge Development
Council has engaged Roy Anderson & Associates to facilitate the Governance work of the Change Plan
The Senior Management Team is now independently implementing Phase 1 of the operational Change Plan 8
Projects: Update Generators for Sewage Lift Stations – Allow for municipal water service to remain operational during power outages
Applied for funding from the New Build Canada Fund, in partnership with the Northern Municipal Trust Account (NMTA) for: ◦ Permanent Standby Generators and associated upgrades for Sewage Pumping Stations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and the Sewage Treatment Plant; and, one Portable Generator and associated upgrades at the other 5 Sewage Pumping Stations
Total cost of the project is estimated at $4 Million
Town’s portion would be 1/12th the total cost
◦ Northern Revenue Sharing Pool would contribute 1/12th ◦ NMTA and Government Funds would provide 10/12ths
9
Projects: Update Contour Mapping
Associated Engineering completed image mapping using areal images of the Town
These maps include the contours of the land, roads and existing infrastructure locations
This tool will improve accuracy of information and aid in decisions for infrastructure development and repairs, including future expansion of municipal services (Sewer and Water) and better inform drainage plans for the community 10
Projects: Update Residential Fire Breaks
Areas behind residences are being cleared to provide fire fighter access and remove fire fuel Phase 1 was completed in 2014 Phase 2 will be completed in 2015 Additional maintenance to clean up forested areas of Town will be undertaken to lessen the risk of wildfires within forested areas in Town boundaries
11
Town Development Industrial and Residential Lots
An additional 12 lots M1-Industrial (Light) subdivided in 2011-12
Rezoned additional parcels in M2-Industrial (General) in 2014
$20,000 Price Incentive on all lots in the new Mowery Subdivision April 1 – May 31 Lot prices start at $40,000 with the discount All lots are development ready: fully cleared and leveled with paved roads, sidewalks, street lights and all utilities to the property (Natural Gas, Power, Water and Sewer lines)
12
Town Development Improving Quality of Service
Renovations & Upgrades to Town Office ◦ External facelift had been done however it is time for internal space, work stations and some equipment updates
Renovations & Upgrades to Town Shop ◦ The current building has outlived it’s expected lifespan. Plans are to transition the staff to a new building with existing building used for storage.
13
Town Development Improving Neighbourhoods
Added speed radar signs to Hildebrand Drive
Beach front improvements; new floating dock
Consulting underway with local residents for a proposed pedestrian walking path along Northern part of La Ronge Ave to McKenzie Point Park ◦ Will also have speed radar installed near the park
14
Moving Forward Organizational Effectiveness & Sustainability
Strategic Plan: Council has held strategic planning workshop, more to come. Focused around the recommendations of Organizational Review- Community input on Vision, Mission & Mandate
Policies and Procedures: Formalizing and Updating to ensure Town processes are understood by everyone
Official Community Plan: A new one will be developed in 2015 – will be looking for public input and ideas as this progresses
Update Zoning Bylaw: As part of OCP update process and will examine the need for affordable housing, industrial lot use and location 15
East Crescent completed Summer 2014
Over 75% of La Ronge now has access to Natural Gas ◦ 700 lots have access ◦ 457 are now using service
Approximately $3M investment by SaskEnergy into community (2009-14)
Areas not yet covered must have majority of neighbourhood sign up
◦ Paper residential applications available at Town office or visit www.sasktenergy.com 16
Town Budget (2015 Draft)
Town of La Ronge Budget: $ 6,700,000.00 Property Taxation: $ 1,980,000.00 Grant In Lieu: $ 159,000.00 NMTA Revenue Sharing: $ 1,670,000.00 In Trust $ 3,100,000.00 Balance: Fees and Charges Sales Program Grants and Contributions Northern Lights School Div: $ 818,608.00
17
2015 Budgeted Expenditures Infrastructure
Community Services
Protective Services
Administration
22%
52%
12%
14%
• Infrastructure : Transportation, Airport, Water & Sewer Utility and Waste Disposal • Community Services: Recreation Administration, Uniplex, Parks & Playgrounds, Recreation Programs • Protective Services: Policing, Animal Control, Fire Department, Building •Administration: All remaining expenditures; Office staff, supplies and maintenance, Council wages
18
•This chart presents the municipal tax generated per resident of the municipality. • As the exhibit shows, the analysis indicated that La Ronge generated$584 in municipal tax for each resident it services in 2012 in 2013 it raised slightly to $672, still below the average of the five municipalities indicated by the horizontal dotted line. ◦The municipal tax generated per person is calculated by dividing the total taxes (Schedule 1 of the financial statements) by the total municipal population (2011 Census).
19
Municipality
Total municipal commercial
Total municipal residential
taxes per $200,000
taxes per $200,000
Tisdale $7,851 $2,407 Shellbrook $10,140 $3,276 Birch Hills* $9,240 $3,080 Nipawin $4,993 $1,934 Carrot River $8,280 $3,220 Creighton* $4,050 $1,890 La Ronge* $4,925 $2,445 Battleford $3,108 $1,826 Hudson Bay $3,092 $1,890 Maidstone $3,450 $2,536 _____________________________________________________________ Average $5,913 $2,450 _____________________________________________________________ Source: Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Backgrounder, October 18, 2013
20
Taxation 101
Your municipal taxes are based on the evaluation undertaken by the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) The last revaluation: 2013 Based on Jan. 1, 2011 Market Conditions Next Revaluation: 2017 Will be based on Jan 1, 2015 Market Conditions The municipal taxes you pay are calculated based on their assessment of your property
Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency: 1-800-667-7262 Or www.samaview.ca
Your municipal property tax calculation is shown in the following formula:
Your Tax Bill = Base Tax + [ (Taxable Assessment x (Mill Rate x Mill Rate Factor)) / 1,000 ]
The taxation year (Town's Fiscal Year) is January 1 - December 31, with the property taxes due December 31 ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
5% discount on municipal taxes if you pay your taxes before Sep. 30th; 4% discount before Oct. 31st; and 2% discount before Nov. 30th If your current year's taxes remain unpaid after December 31st, you will be charged a penalty of 5% on January 1st and July 1st on any outstanding balances. ◦ Payment plans and On-line Payment options available. Check with your banking institution or contact the Town Office
21
Town Utilities
Water and Sewer Rates Water and Sewer Rates:
◦ Operating at a deficit. (2014 Estimated Average of -$385,200.00/yr from 2011-14) ◦ Capital expansion and upgrades continue to be highly dependent on grants from the provincial and federal government. ◦ Unexpected problems such as upgrades to the sewage treatment facility to deal with extended cold weather mean additional costs ◦ Into 2030, exclusively for Town operated systems, approximately $5 Million is needed for replacement and upgrades to current system ◦ In order to cover operating and capital costs it is estimated that the Town would have to increase its current rates by 360% ◦ Rather, the Town’s proposal to phase in the increases over a 5 year period was approved by the Saskatchewan Municipal Board and began in 2015: 30% annual increases for 4 years and 15% in final year. Thereafter hoped that increases can be limited to the rate of inflation or other built-in measure.
◦ Currently the Town operates on a flat rate basis, but is investigating the installation of water meters
22
Town Utilities
Initial Report on Water Meter Installation What would be the expected outcome of Water Meters? A more fair distribution of costs: Those that use more pay more? Lower utility bills: Can that be achieved with Water Meters? Reduce water consumption?
What are the costs and how would they be distributed? Capital costs to purchase the equipment Additional staffing time for meter reading/processing Ongoing maintenance costs
The capital operation and maintenance costs would need to be weighted against possible savings: Increase life span for sewage treatment plant Increase life span for the 12 sewage lift stations Reduce demand on regional water plant, delay upgrades
23
Town Utilities
Initial Report on Water Meter Installation SaskWater prepared an initial Water Meter Study to provide background information for Town of La Ronge Council in early April, 2015 Highlights:
◦ Studies by Environment Canada indicate metering can substantially decrease consumption by 50% to 65% ◦ Estimated decrease for the Town of La Ronge would be 40% to 50% due to the winter climate and geology of the area; shallow/dead-end lines ◦ Metering System purchase and installation costs estimated to be $690,000 ◦ Meters and meter reading heads have a life expectancy of 15 years. Other system components, data collectors, software, etc. would likely need to be updated every 5 years ◦ Replacement, repair and update costs could be included as an item in the monthly billings to customers as is the practice in other communities with a metering system
24
Town Utilities Initial Report on Water Meter Installation
The report indicated that the initial scan of the issue of installing Water Meters for the Town of La Ronge: ◦ The metering system related costs compared to the projected water and sewer system future upgrade costs (Approx $8 Million into 2030) would pay off in the medium and long term. ◦ In the short term, over the next 5 years, the Town has begun to implement plans to raise utility rates with the intent that by 2020 the capital, operation, and maintenance cost of the water and sewer system will be covered by the fees for the water and sewer service. ◦ This is likely to make it difficult for the public to wish to undertake the increase in rates to cover the purchase and installation of a Water Metering system 25
Town Utilities Initial Report on Water Meter Installation
Additional Considerations: ◦ Residents without a functioning heat trace would have to have it replaced or would incur high costs for leaving the water running. This would be at their cost. ◦ If the Town of La Ronge installs Water Meters and reduces consumption, the current arrangement with the Lac La Ronge Regional Water Corporation which owns and operates the Water Treatment Plant in Patterson Park, is not equipped to determine only the Town’s portion of water used, so the Town’s annual contribution would remain at 43% of total operating costs. 26
Town Utilities Initial Report on Water Meter Installation
“Testing the Water” ◦ Do you think that the Town of La Ronge should move forward with Water Meters?
Next Steps: If strongly desired, a full cost/benefit analysis report to determine recommended rates would be undertaken. A revision of the Bylaws to reflect the change in the structure of supplying the service would also be required
27
Citizen Engagement
Committees of Council with community members ◦ Parks and Recreation ◦ Board of Revision, Development Appeals ◦ Northern Saskatchewan Environmental Quality Committee
Municipal Election, Fall of 2016 Interested, but not sure where or how to start? ◦ Become more confident, learn at your own pace, on-line, for free: increase your leadership skills and receive a Certificate of Completion. Choose your learning focus: Youth and Adult register14f.becomingacommunitybuilder.ca
28
Citizen Engagement How to Connect with Your Municipality
Information on Events, Public Notices, Bylaws, Minutes, Council meetings and more available at www.laronge.ca Comments, concerns and suggestions on municipal infrastructure, public spaces, or other operational matters should be directed to the Town Office at 306-425-2066 or [email protected] Please forward any complaints or items you would like direct follow up on in writing
Governance and Policy concerns can be directed to Mayor & Council Contact information also available on the Town website
29
Questions Suggestions Ideas
30
Thank you From Thomas Sierzycki, Mayor Erin Carter Joe Hordyski Doreen Polischuk Rachael Steinke Vern Stratton Robert Watt 31
