City council approves 2022 budget

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City 2022 budget approved

By Lori Larsen

City of Camrose council approved the 2022 Operating Budget during the regular council meeting held on December 6.

The recommendation by administration was for council to approve the amended 2021 and 2022 Operating Budget with total operating expenditures of $55,392,635 and $56,199,997, including general operating expenditures of $40,987,886 and $41,174,956, utility operating expenditures of $14,404,749 and $15,025,041, and transfer to capital of $3,398,309 and $3,634,186.

City of Camrose finance general manager Travis Bouck explained to council the major variances that have occurred over the last year that impacted the amendment to the 2022 budget. “The biggest one being the Wastewater Treatment Plant project and the anticipated costs going from $42 million up to over $51 million, and the additional debt that is required will have an impact on our debt servicing costs.”

Bouck said that it is expected that five percent increases on wastewater rates will be required for at least the next four to five years simply to manage the debt payments.

“The other one is the inflationary impact that we have across the board that we are seeing on some of our procurements. We talked to different businesses and they are ranging anywhere from five to 10 per cent across the board. That obviously is also going to have an impact on the City. We have tried to compensate for some of that by adding a five per cent increase to those user fees and charges.”

Bouck explained that many of the City services are subsidized. “So that increase in user fees and charges isn’t going to totally offset the cost increases since we subsidize most services. However, when we do look at the review of the budget, we believe we do not have to raise our tax rates to offset any additional increases.”

He added that is also due in part to increased franchise fee revenue.

“All of these factors put together allows us to maintain the zero per cent property tax increase that was originally approved in December 2020 for the 2022 budget.”

A motion was made by councillor DJ Ilg and seconded by councillor Lana Broker to accept the 2022 Operating Budget as presented by administration.

Prior to the vote, councillor Joy-Anne Murphy requested a friendly amendment to the 2022 Operating Budget as presented, to include the cost of creating and implementing an Environmental Management Plan at the cost of approximately $150,000.

The request for a friendly amendment was denied by motion maker councillor Ilg.

On separate motions, council unanimously approved the amended 2021 and 2022 Capital Budget with total project costs of $15,153,446 and $46,179,338; the amended 2021-2030 Capital Plan as a planning document for informational purposes; and the increase to the Electricity Franchise Fees to offset the decreased provincial infrastructure funding from 14 per cent to 15 per cent effective April 1, 2022.

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Hesje left a legacy at Augustana

By Murray Green

Brian Hesje didn’t invent the telescope. But, he sure helped the University of Alberta Augustana Campus build one.

Alumnus Hesje made a gift to Augustana Campus to fund the construction of the Hesje Observatory at the Augustana Miquelon Lake Research Station.

Miquelon Provincial Park is a dark sky preserve, so it is an ideal place for an astronomical observatory, as there is minimal light pollution to hinder the excellent view of the night sky. The dream of having an astronomical observatory was made possible by Hesje.

Hesje, long-time business leader, philanthropist, former Augustana student and one of ATB Financial’s founding board members, passed away on December 6.

Hesje was known for his sharp business acumen, strong work ethic, client-first approach, love for the community and commitment to the growth and development of the next generation of Alberta’s leaders.

The telescope in the observatory provides a digital feed to the classroom in the AMLRS, and will eventually be able to be remotely accessible at Augustana and online. There is an observation deck around the dome where portable telescopes can be set up.

Hesje provided $500,000 to fund the research station project. His focus always remained on the students.

Following his time as a student at Augustana (then Camrose Lutheran College) and at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Hesje began his professional career as a teacher–a career lasting two years before he began his MBA and transitioned into business.

He thought education was the vehicle through which we can continue to improve both the world and ourselves.

Instead of accepting the way things are, he often asked for ways he could change or improve them. “I want to help motivate young people to realize their potential and I’m trying to find ways to help them do that,” Hesje said, a few years ago when he decided to assist Augustana. “The observatory can’t do anything, it’s a building. But it’s the opportunity it gives.”

The observatory and classroom space at the Augustana Miquelon Lake Research Station offers opportunities that extend not only to Augustana students, but to all University of Alberta students and learners of all ages.

COVID-19 has slowed the sharing process. Augustana’s Department of Science, in partnership with Alberta Parks and the Battle River School Division, will be able to collaborate in the development of outreach programming for school groups, participants in adult education, tourists, parks enthusiasts and lifelong learners.

Hesje was the ATB board chair from 2011 to 2018.

“At ATB Financial, we are mourning the passing of our dear friend, mentor and former board chair Brian Hesje–a man with incredible character, a ready smile and sage advice. Hands down, there is no single individual who has had more of an impact on ATB than Brian, with his two decades of service to our organization,” said ATB’s president and CEO Curtis Stange.

The observatory is a centre for opportunity, giving astronomy enthusiasts access to the high-tech instruments necessary to study beyond Earth and into the cosmos.

Brian Hesje

21123ra0

Winter Holiday Safety

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

HOLIDAY DECORATING

Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect. Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged. Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan. Keep children and pets away from lit candles. Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet. Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop. Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them. Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

Before Heading Out or to Bed

Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

FACTS

! More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles. More than two of every five decoration ! fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION

The leading information and knowledge resource on fire, electrical and related hazards CITY OF CAMROSE FIRE DEPARTMENT

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