Challenge of budgeting for a spray deck
Published September 26, 2008
Very soon now, Council will be enmeshed in the 2009 budget debate. Like any family who has a budget and faces rising costs, Strathcona County also faces those pressures. Think of what it costs you to buy a basket of groceries four years ago and think what it costs to buy it now. Did it go up - a lot. Like you, the County also buys a basket of groceries, it is just that they are a bit different than the groceries you buy. For example, diesel fuel has risen 30%, gravel 20% and cold mix for roads also 20%. The inflationary challenge covers all portions of the budget. I am sure you have read in the paper the budgetary challenges that Edmonton faces and certainly we are not immune to those challenges either.
In debating the budget, Council is conscious of the fact that the residents tell us that they do not wish us to cut services and we strive mightily towards that goal. The problem we then face in not cutting services, is of course an increase in taxes to make sure we can still deliver the same services. I know when I was not on Council I would comment about how easy it should be to make decisions, as I am sure some of you reading this might think also. In doing police work I made many decisions, most of them in a split second because I had to. Sometimes I had the luxury of time but even then I still second guessed myself. I can tell you that I agonize over the budget issues as I am sure other Councillors do and it is not as easy as simply reading a spreadsheet and making cuts.
I then come to the second part of the title and that is a spray deck or a lack of one. This certainly has hit a chord in the community and Council has received many many many e-mails on this topic. The newspaper in their web poll report 92% support. In a precedent setting move the newspaper did back to back editorials on it commenting on its need and timing. It was reported that the cost of a spray deck would be $1.75 million and that such funds could be spent better elsewhere.
In a democratic society, we are elected to address the wishes and concerns of our residents. Do I support the building of a spray deck? - yes. Do I support a $1.75 million spray deck? - no, nor do Councillors Carr and Gariepy. We support a spray deck priced at a very reasonable cost that will fit and adapt to the budget, considering all other issues. The correct approach here is balance and trying to find it. Do we need a spray deck? - I think yes. Will one be built this year? - I do not know, only the will of Council will decide.
The challenges are hard, the decisions are not easy. Will we make them? - yes, because we have to. Please be assured that all Councillors are fully attuned to the community wishes and needs and trying to find that oh so difficult balance.
Peter Wlodarczak
Councillor,Ward 4
780-464-8146
wlodarczak@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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