NORTH BATTLEFORD - The pre-budget presentations for third-party grants have already begun at North Battleford council.
During their meeting on Oct. 25, council heard budget presentations from two groups: Battlefords Transit, and the North Battleford Golf and Country Club. In previous years, these organizations would present their grant requests along with other organizations in the city during the first night of budget deliberations, so council is getting a head start on hearing these requests this year.
For Battlefords Transit, council heard from Transit Manager Liana Clinton, who made a budget request from the city of $373,804.
The request would cover $252,000 for Battlefords Transit, $83,304 for the Handi-Bus, and $38,500 for a Handi-Bus capital purchase.
That latter amount would be the city’s share for a replacement vehicle. The Town of Battleford’s share is $16,500, while $55,000 is the contribution from a grant from TAPD — Transit Assistance for People with Disabilities, for an overall cost of $110,000.
“Anytime you get 50-60 cent dollars from the provincial government to replace a vehicle in the fleet, I think it’s a good option to look at,” was the comment from Councillor Greg Lightfoot. He noted the requests are below the 2018 ask, and that they were able to keep the budget at reasonable levels.
For North Battleford Golf and Country Club, council heard from the President of the Board, Chad Gartner, and other representatives from the club. They were there to formally request $75,000 in a capital grant from the city for the 2022 golf season.
The request is to help cover equipment replacement. The plans are to purchase utility vehicle for $33,000, a fringe mower for $38,000, and a rough mower for $20,000.
Gartner reported the club had a terrific 2021 season and the weather co-operated, and they were able to host seven tournaments this year. They had also been able to complete a couple of fundraisers including a hole-in-one tournament.
No final decisions were made, as council voted to receive the requests. The requests will now be dealt with as part of the city's 2022 budget process.
