Magrath sets 2021 budget

Magrath town council has approved their Capital and Operating budgets for 2021.

The budget, passed at their regular April 27 meeting, is not “substantially different” from previous budgets, according to town CAO James Suffredine.

“Beyond the discussion of the increased payments needed for requisitions, for this year only, allowances were also included for the upcoming election and the training and technology needs for a new council,” said Suffredine, adding there was also discussion on how the increased cost of the province’s new Police Funding Model fits into the operating budget.

Some of the highlights in the Capital budget include:

* Four blocks of road paving * Five blocks of road oiling * Continued funding for the pool

* New sidewalk and storm sewer on the east side of the school

* Trail expansion up to 1 Ave South

* Completion of a new bathroom facility at Cook Diamonds

* Water and sewer distribution lines being drilled under the Pothole Creek to be able to be accessed by residents on the south side of the creek

* New fleet equipment for the Public Works and Parks and Recreation departments

An annotated copy of the budget for release is currently being worked on and will be put online within the next couple of weeks, following third reading of the town’s Tax Rate Bylaw.