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Thurs da y, A p r i l 2 4 , 2014
Serving the Crowsnest Pass area
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Vol. 1 Issue 25
C.T. Communications 12701 20 Avenue Blairmore, AB
Linda Germo Design Stylist
403.582.1211
Text or call for appt 12323-20 Ave, Blairmore Hrs: Tues, Fri, Sat.
Looking for your little one to learn to ski/snowboard (ages 2-5)
Only $50
for a half day lesson from 1:30pm
Castle Mountain Resort T: 403-627-5101 F: 403-627-3515 www.skicastle.ca www.powderstagecoach.ca
Where Your Friends Are.. New Management Tavern, Liquor Store, Affordable Rates Double Occupancy Clean Rooms Karaoke-Thu, Fri Sat
2414 213 St, Bellevue, AB 403-564-4676
Cowgirls Macey-Jo Friel, Jolayne Collings, Joanne Trotz and Jude Ewashen rode their horses along Main Street, Blairmore on April 17 for the annual Badge Ride in support of this weekend’s 32nd Annual Kananaskis Pro Rodeo. See story on page 10. Photo by J. MacFarlane
No tax hike on the books for 2014 By Joni MacFarlane Editor
In a surprising turn of events, council finalized the 2014 budget and mill rate with no increase in municipal tax revenues. After approving the budget and passing first reading of the mill rate on April 1, a combination of cuts and removal of projects were presented to council on April 15 that threw out the previously approved three per cent property tax increase. A combined operating and capital budget of $27.6M represents a balanced budget with no increase to municipal tax revenue. There are however, increases to municipal utility and power rates. Revenues and transfers from all sources is es-
r e h c n i P Creek
timated at $17.1M with another $6.7M to be be raised by property taxes. The total assessed value of all property in Crowsnest Pass is $897.6M. The property tax base decreased 2.1 per cent from 2013 and consists of two components: real growth of 1.5 per cent from additional properties and improvements, and a reduction in property values of 3.6 per cent. Amendments made to the budget total $192,600 and include reductions to expenses, grants and contracted services. Savings were also reached by removing some equipment replacements as well as eliminating studies and detailed renovations on municipal facilities in 2014. A total of $116,000 will be transferred to a
capital equipment reserve fund for next year, said Chief Administrative Officer Sheldon Steinke. Mayor Blair Painter told the Crowsnest Pass Free Press council wanted to make a point that taxes could be kept in line and still get things done. He added that he’s pleased costs for contracted services were reduced but disappointed there’s not much of a buffer in case of an unexpected expense. The total amount sitting in reserves will not be known until the year-end audit is complete in early May. Council members commended administration for their hard work on the budget. “Based on what we had and what we knew, it was a job well done,” said Councillor Dean Ward.
Enter to win a trip for two to Las Vegas!
Shop at The Brick Pincher Creek March 1 to April 30, 2014 *Valid at Pincher Creek locaiton only. Some restrictions apply, see store for details.
david tetachuk Owner
Roberta koci sales associate
cheri Bobyk sales associate
Open 7 days a week • 403-627-3717 • Ranchland Mall • yOuR lOcally Owned advantage