City Council take in presentations as part of 2023-2024 budget deliberation process. (Photo Courtesy Gates Guarin)

By Gates Guarin

Council begins 2023-2024 budget deliberations

Nov 16, 2022 | 8:40 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – City Council began their public deliberations on the proposed budget for 2023 and 2024 Wednesday afternoon.

Mayor Linnsie Clark opened the special committee of the whole said the meeting was held in an open forum in order to provide the community with transparency and accountability. Presentations on energy and infrastructure, and public services were made by city managing directors, which outlined both expenses and priorities at a high level for council to debate.

Brad Maynes, managing director for the city, spoke at a high level on energy and infrastructure, which outlined budget expenses for city assets, city operations and COMCO, an amalgamation of the city’s plant operations.

City assets (includes roads, airports, municipal works and utilities):

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• Capital expenditures – $23 million in 2023, $30 million in 2024
• Operations expenses – $70 million in 2023, $71 million in 2024
• No new positions budgeted over two-year budget

City operations (includes fleet, electric & gas distribution):

• Capital expenditures – $65 million in 2023 & 2024
• Operations expenses – $69 million in 2023 & 2024
• No new positions budgeted over two-year budget

COMCO (includes power generation, freshwater sourcing, wastewater handling):

• Capital expenditures – $8 million in 2023, $10 million in 2024
• Operations expenses – $15 million in 2023 & 2024
• Four new positions budgeted

Maynes notes the COMCO numbers are low due to the bulk of capital spending already completed, naming the new Unit 17 power generation plant as an example.

Brian Mastel, managing director, spoke on what was budgeted for public services. Mastel highlighted several key items which stood out in the budget, such as:

• public safety & emergency response capability,
• community wellness, including mental health & addictions supports,
• transit efficiency, and
• environmental stewardship, including identifying and protecting the city’s natural areas

Mastel reiterated no funds were allocated to new amenities, instead going towards existing infrastructure.

The subject of staffing positions dominated the discussion, and several councillors requested clarification of different types of city positions budgeted. Examples included mid-level management and front line workers not being distinguishable within the budget itself.

Councillor Andy McGrogan said having a clearer picture about what these positions would entail would benefit the everyday Hatter trying to understand where their taxes are being put towards.

“I think it would be extremely helpful to our community and to all of us who are faced with really a proposed four per cent tax increase, if we could understand each and every one of those additional staff, and how they will enhance the service to the community.”

Deliberations lasted close to two and a half hours, and will continue at council’s next open meeting on Nov. 21.