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Thursday, December 17, 2020
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Merry Christmas from our family to yours
BATTLEFORD
FURNITURE
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Downtown Battleford Alight
Located in the middle of downtown Battleford is Historic Battleford Lions Park, a lot featuring lawn, flowerbeds, a gazebo and picnic tables, all with a backdrop of conifers. Last year, a project initiated by a young resident, Avery Donahue, who recruited grandparents and the local Community Spirit Group, saw the stringing of lights throughout the trees to add to a festive feeling in downtown Battleford. The Lions, this year, have seen to the lighting of the gazebo as well. COVID-19 restrictions meant no official light up gathering like last year’s, but the display is there for all to enjoy. Photo by Averil Hall
Looking to the 2021 tax year
North Battleford passes one per cent budget By John Cairns Staff Reporter
As expected, the 2021 budget was been adopted in North Battleford Monday at the last regular council meeting of 2020. The 2021 budget includes a one per
cent property tax increase with that revenue being applied to capital, and a zero increase for utilities and UPAR. It was a lengthy evening, with a number of resolutions passed related to the discussions at last
week’s budget deliberations. Council held four nights of budget deliberations in total between Dec. 3 to 10, and the resolutions passed on Monday went along the same lines as what had been discussed, with no new surprises.
The resolutions passed Monday are as follows: The first called for the reduced amount of requested funds from both the transit and Handi-bus systems to be transferred towards the purchase of a new Handi-Bus. That was
carried. A second resolution called for the amount of $10,000 (included in the budget due to COVID-19) to be applied to grant requests of Concern for Youth and Midwest Food Resources, and further that
follow-up be made with Midwest Food Resources in reducing their grant request. Midwest Food Resources had initially requested $5,830, but Director of Finance Steve Brown Continued on Page 2
proved as presented Monday at town council, with all members of council voting in favour. The meeting was held live at the Alex Dillabough Centre in Battleford. Council had previously gone through the budget on Nov. 23 and Nov. 30.
At the latest meeting, all the department heads presented the budgets for their departments one by one. The final discussions Monday went smoothly and there were no outstanding issues to deal with, as council liked what they saw in the budget pre-
sented by administration. There are a number of capital items included for 2021. A big item is paving and curbing on 1st Avenue from Campbell Innes Way to Battle Springs Drive for $284,000. A new sidewalk on the east side of 2nd Avene from
17th to 19th Streets will also go ahead for $85,000. Also going ahead is purchase of a tandem gravel truck for $158,000, asphalt walking trails for $100,000, campground sites servicing for $65,000, the Riverbend drainage project for $66,000,
$60,000 for miscellaneous smaller equipment, $32,000 for the columbarium at the cemetery, and $20,000 for sidewalk repair. The town is also saving in 2021 for future spending on several other projects Continued on Page 2
Battleford taxpayers will see zero increase By John Cairns Staff Reporter
The 2021 budget is done in Battleford, with council approving a zero percent increase for both general operations and utilities on Monday night. The budget was ap-
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Happy Holidays
to you and your family, from the Staff at
The Carpet People 306.445.1221
2741-99 Street North Battleford th
Santa stopped by with a truck load of
OVER 1000
windshields a month early and we have to get rid of them before the new year!
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Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs For up to date information please visit our facebook page 1282 101 Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 0Z8
(306) 446-1400