An interim 2014 budget of just over $83 million dollars was passed at the Municipal District of Bonnyville council meeting on Dec. 11.
A large portion of the budget, $39.7 million, will be allocated to construction, improvements and maintenance of roads throughout the MD.
Council has set aside $20.8 million for road improvements and construction, another $13.6 million for road maintenance and $2.8 million for public works equipment.
Reeve Ed Rondeau said road improvements and maintenance are still the highest priority for council, but funds are also being allocated to improve the quality of life for residents.
“During the budgeting process it is always a balancing act to meet the expectations of our MD residents,” said Rondeau. “We know that roads are always first on the list, as most of our residents travel them everyday. But, during (public meetings) this year residents asked for increased recreational opportunities and council always has organizations approaching it throughout the year requesting funding for various initiatives.”
The MD has allotted $400,000 to construct a Tube Park at Kinosoo Ridge Snow Resort and $1 million for a skating rink in Fort Kent. The 15 Community Halls in the MD will receive annual operating grants totaling $700,000.
Council will continue to support the local Agricultural Societies, allotting $20,000 to the groups in Cold Lake, Bonnyville and Glendon. An additional $158,000 will be given to the Glendon Ag. Society for the purpose of an arena renovation.
The local museums in Bonnyville and Cold Lake will also each receive $17,500.
A new fire hall in LaCorey and a new Public Works building have been allotted $2.2 million.
Rondeau says the 2014 budget includes a lot of projects that will improve services in the area's communities and build upon their recreational infrastructure.
Next year will mark the first time council will do a municipal census, as the MD has allocated $100,000 for a census in 2014.
“The MD has grown considerably since the last federal census in 2011,” said Rondeau. “This population increase will provide additional funding from provincial and federal grants.”
According to Rondeau, the MD will continue to be a good “regional citizen” by providing funding to the Beaver River Regional Waster Management Commission, Regional Fire Authority, the Cold Lake and Bonnyville and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), as well as the libraries in Bonnyville and Cold Lake.
“Council is committed to supporting the Regional Community Development agreement as well as cost-sharing agreements for fire, ambulance, libraries, FCSS, airport and Part 9 companies because these entities provide services to the residents of the whole region.”
MD council will pass the final 2014 budget sometime in the spring, after the province releases its educations requisition.
Numbers used in the 2014 interim budget were based off of 2013 assessments.
An estimated $51.87 million in taxes, $5.57 million in provincial grants, $12.11 million in general revenues and $13.96 million in transfers from previous years budgets are expected to fund the 2014 budget.
Council plans to take another look at the budget once all of the year-end assessment figures are completed.