PROVINCE: Clark touts LNG and Site C in British Columbia A5 Friday, February 17, 2012 Celebrating Chamber of Commerce week in Prince George A8-14
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Budget talks get underway ■ City
Community services first budget item to hit the table and okayed with few changes DeLynda Pilon
Fan-Demonium
newsroom@pgfreepress.com
Finalized budgets presented during the first of three budget presentation meetings got a nod of approval from city council Wednesd a y Free Press night, w i t h a few Mayor and council changes. budget A3 C o l PGAIR A3 leen Van IPG and Tourism PG Mook, budget A4 community services director, presented information on Community Services’ $6,134,597 budget, which encompasses aquatics, events and the Civic Centre, the CN Centre and arenas as well as recreational and cultural services. Some highlights through the year within those departments include the outdoor ice rinks constructed in 23 neighbourhoods in 2011, the $4 million brought in through non-resident delegates who visited the Civic Centre, the $2 million in economic activity generated in the city during the World Baseball Challenge, and the KISS concert, which was highly successful, at the CN Centre. Council learned currently the city subsidizes 60 per cent of the cost of a visit to one of the city pools. Council also questioned staff about the $300,000 the city currently pays to support the Northern Sports Centre, a cost matched by the university and part of a 30-year arrangement. City manager Derek Bates said there is some room for conversation regarding the terms of the agreement. Council was also curious about usage and the cost of upkeep at the Four Seasons pool, considering the age of the facility. They were told usage is steady, but staff
Inside
A lis ta ir M cINNIS/ Fre e Pre s s
Spectators rise to their feet to cheer on the Cedars Christian Eagles shortly before their City League senior girls basketball championship game against the Duchess Park Condors ended. They had reason to celebrate, as the Eagles grounded the Condors 87-59, giving the independent school the first City League banner in its history. Duchess Park defeated the D.P. Todd Trojans in the senior boys final that followed. For more on the games, turn to A16. sentations and discussions. The $12,567,663 million corporate services budget, the $80,915,153 million fiscal services budget and the $1,123,216 development planning and administration budget were all approved. Initiatives Prince George reduced its budget and was approved at $1,024,904
didn’t have the breakdown of maintenance costs. Coun. Lyn Hall suggested the city might be better served if maintenance costs between the two facilities were separated out. After passing the service category budget, council then moved on to other pre-
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and Tourism PG was approved at $1,035,500, with $327,908 coming from the city. The city’s general operating budget is $104.1 million. The next budget presentation is set for Feb. 22, which will provide another opportunity for the public to address council about budget matters at 6 p.m.
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