Monday, September 20 will be more than just election day in Sackville. Town council will gather for a special meeting to hear from local residents and groups about priorities for the 2022 budget.
Unlike council meeting question periods where residents can just show up to make comments, the town is asking that anyone planning to present at the meeting register to do so with the town clerk by end of day Tuesday.
Last year, town council heard from a number of groups who had received funding from the town previously through its community development grants program. Renaissance Sackville, Sackville Minor Hockey, the Sackville Skate Club, Rural Rides, Live Bait Theatre, Sappyfest and Levee on the Lake all presented, mostly reporting on what they had done with their previous grants. Applications for the community development grants program are due on October 15.
Two residents also presented their ideas for new or continued budget priorities at last year’s meeting. Wendy Alder called for beautification of the area around Exit 506, and Alex Thomas made a pitch for further investment in the town’s skate park.
During budget deliberations this year, Sackville town council will be considering how to spend an additional $372,387 in gas tax funding. The money can be spent on a number of different infrastructure projects that must be approved by the province. The list includes sewage and water infrastructure, roads and bridges, community energy systems, and public transit, among others. (See below for a complete list of categories.)
But there’s also expected increases in costs coming for the 2022 budget.
The National Federation of Police negotiated a first ever contract for the RCMP recently, including pay raises for officers dating back to 2017. Officers will see a cumulative hike of just under 19% in 2022. Treasurer Michael Beal wouldn’t take a stab at what the amount will be owed by Sackville in backpay on Monday night. “We’ve heard that it’s a significant number,” said Beal. “The moment we receive the information from the from the analyst, we will provide that information.”
Next Monday’s public meeting is the only chance for residents to weigh in on budget priorities before a first draft of the budget is proposed by staff to council.
Town department heads will be submitting their 5 year capital spending plans to the town treasurer on September 24, and their plans for operating budgets on October 1. Town staff and council typically meet in private to discuss budget priorities, and then a first draft of both operating and capital budgets will be presented at a public council meeting on October 18 and 19.
Eligible projects for gas tax fund (Canada Community Building Fund):
Drinking water
Wastewater
Solid waste
Community energy systems
Public transit
Local Roads and Bridges
Capacity building
As of April 1, 2014:
Highways
Short-line rail
Cultural infrastructure
Tourism infrastructure
Sport infrastructure
Recreational infrastructure
Regional and local airports
Short-sea shipping
Disaster mitigation
Broadband and connectivity
Brownfield redevelopment
As of April 1, 2021:
Fire Halls
