NORTH BATTLEFORD - In advance of North Battleford’s budget deliberations next month, council has heard pre-budget presentations from three organizations at their meeting Monday night.
Council heard from Battlefords Transit, the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts and North Battleford Golf and Country Club as they made their budget requests.
In their presentation, Battlefords Transit came to council requesting an operating contribution of $343,666, an increase of $8,362.
Transit manager Liana Clinton explained this is due to a couple of factors. Their Transit Assistance for People with Disabilities funding was reduced by a little under $20,000 based on 2021, which reflected reduced ridership numbers due to COVID-19. Also, she cited an increase in employee wages. There is no application for a capital purchase of a new bus for 2023.
In their presentation, the Dekker Centre made their operating grant request for $235,000 - the same amount as it has been since 2017.
In her presentation, General Manager Kali Weber reported the Dekker Centre had created a third full-time salaried position, the Patron Experience Manager, and there have been some increases to salaries and wages as well.
Weber noted with the creation of the Patron Experience Manager position, they have seen increased revenue and user engagement. Her report noted they have set revenue targets of 65 per cent for each of their Dekker Centre Presents shows and targets of $36,000 in additional grant revenue and $40,000 in grant funding.
Finally, Director of Golf Dana Johnson of North Battleford Golf and Country Club and their President Chad Gartner put forward their request for $75,000 in capital funding from the city for 2022.
They estimated to have $245,000 in capital expenditures this year, with the biggest one being maintaining and keeping their equipment up to date. They also plan improvements to the clubhouse including restaurant equipment, shingles to the roof, and adding a utility vehicle.
The requests will be considered during budget deliberations in November. The draft budget is to be presented Nov. 21 with the first budget deliberation sessions starting on Nov. 22. It is expected another round of pre-budget presentations will happen at the Nov. 14 meeting.
