OFFICE & ADMINISTRATION NEWS

Message From The Cao

Larry

Baran

The Administrative Staff for the Town of Faro are being kept very busy as Council reviews the projects planned for the 2023-2025 budget cycle, including a detailed review of the 2023 Operating Budget. I have been a CAO in Alberta, the NWT, and the Yukon and I can say that I am impressed with the sincerity and focus that this Council has on completing this budget review.

It is often said that a budget is just everyone’s ‘Best Guess’ and, to a degree, that is true. As Mayor Bowers noted, however, annually approving a budget that contains a Deficit, yet results in a Surplus at the end of each year, indicates that we are doing something wrong.

As such, Administration appreciates the extra effort that Council is placing on the review and examination of budget proposals for this year. I also appreciate Mayor Bowers perspective that three things are needed to accomplish any goals: Time, Money, and Resources. By maintaining a reasonable number of projects, ensuring that we have the funding to complete those projects, and keeping the appropriate number of people employed to get the projects completed, we will have a better opportunity to experience success in achieving the goals that we have set for ourselves.

And Administration is very pleased that Council is finding ways to address long-outstanding projects like maintenance and repairs. Council has a strong belief that the Town assets need to be maintained, and some maintenance has been delayed for too many years. Residents should be aware that while there are a few grants that we are also seeking that are 90% funded, or 75% funded, (where we need to match the difference) those grants are few. Most of the grants that Council supports in 2023 are 100% grants, where 100% of the project is covered by outside funding. With the number of funding application approvals that we are experiencing with grant & funding applications, 2023 appears to look like it will be a very productive year.

 In the 1950s, Kent cigarettes contained asbestos in the filters to reduce the harmful effects of nicotine.

 In the early 1900s, Bayer produced a cough syrup that contained heroin.

 Until the late 1960s, doctors were prescribing amphetamines to help people lose weight.

 And, of course, Coca Cola really did have cocaine as part of their formula until 1903.

Can you think of something that was a good idea its time, but later was proven to be not so good?

WILL THE TOWN TAKE SOME PROPERTIES BACK?

By Larry Baran, CAO

The short answer is, Maybe. When the Town disposed of the old Faro Real Estate housing units, most units were blown out at “Fire-Sale Prices”. For example, one six-plex sold for $10,500, and another sixplex sold for $10,800. One fourplex sold for $7,550. One triplex sold for $5,200. While those sale prices were extremely low, the agreements contained performance clauses where the owner agreed to improve the property to the point that the units would become habitable again. Some units even sold with grants whereby a portion of each annual renovation investment would be returned.

So, what has happened since these sale agreements took place between 2017 and 2019? In some cases, a lot. In many cases, very little if anything. So, here we are in 2023, and there is a demand for housing in Faro. Had these units been renovated as originally contracted, there would be no housing crunch but, because people did not honor their contract, we are in the awkward situation of having a sur- plus of uninhabitable housing. Wasn’t there a clause in those agreements where the Town could take the units back for ‘NonPerformance’? Yes, and that is the difficult decision that Town Council faces right now. If the Town exercises those clauses, those people who purchased properties BUT failed to complete their agreement would lose their initial investment, lose any property taxes they paid over the years, face the costs associated with transferring the property back to the Town, and damage their credit record. The Town doesn’t want the burden of becoming a real estate company (again), but inaction on some people’s part is pushing the Town into that position.

What should people do, then, if they have property that can’t afford to renovate but they still have that legal responsibility? Well, they can sell the property to someone who can do the work. It really is a simple choice: Either risk losing everything if the Town legally recovers the property or make a little of it back by selling the property privately. Town Council needs to make some difficult decisions this

The Town of Faro has a number of job opportunities. Some of the postings below are already posted online, others will be posted in the next few weeks.

RECREATION & CULTURE

 Pool Coordinator

 Head Lifeguard

 Junior Lifeguard

 Facility Attendant

 On-Call Janitor

PUBLIC WORKS

 Assistant Gardener

 Senior Supervisor

 Summer Student

 Landfill Operator/ Bylaw Enforcement Officer

Please check the faro.ca website often to be sure you do not miss an opportunity.

Car Seat Safety is just as important in the community as it is on the Highway. Check your Childs weight and height before moving them to the next stage. If you need help with getting your child’s measurements, call the Faro Health Center at 994-4444.

Further information can be found on the Yukon Government website yukon.ca/en/ child-car-seats and assistant is available by emailing road.safety@gov.yk.ca or calling at 1-800-661-0408, ext. 5832.