Ponoka’s master servicing study and offsite levy report by Tagish going to cost another $9,000.
In 2012 $19,000 was spent, which left a carry forward budget of $6,000 but more work was required, bringing the cost now to $15,000.
Funds were reassigned from a weigh scale repair project.
“It was determined through some basic maintenance and cleaning the weigh scale at the town transfer station will continue to work,” said CAO Brad Watson. “That money was not needed.”
Coun. Rick Bonnett wondered why the scale was working after they believed it needed repairs. “Did we have a company come in and look at it?”
Watson says Mike Lewis, former director of operations and property services, conducted an inspection and determined the scale only needed cleaning.
Money could have come from reserves, says Betty Quinlan, director of corporate services, but she did not want to take funds from that account. Lewis’s assessment and repair of the scale enabled her to reallocate those funds. “It’s not proceeding this year so the money would be going back into general revenue.”
Coun. Loanna Gulka wondered why there was an increase since the town has already been in discussions with the engineering company. “Why the sudden increase in cost?”
Work that went into annexed land and changes to the municipal development plan have created the extra work. Tagish Engineering had informed the town there would be additional work and costs.
“They knew in 2012 there would be additional work but budgeted for it in 2013,” said Watson.
At the time there was no money in the budget for the increase, explained Quinlan.
“The master service study, that’s for the whole town as a general?” Bonnett asked.
One of the benefits of the master servicing study is planning for the next 10 years.
“I think it’s really critical and fundamental for underpinning,” stated Quinlan. “It lays out the whole picture.”
Quinlan is not completely familiar with the engineering aspect of the offsite levy report but believes it is an important document for the town.
“When you sell property and you sell land, that’s where we get all the money that will build the infrastructure that supports it,” she explained. “It’s very long-range.”
She does not remember the last time offsite levies were increased.
Mayor Larry Henkelman suggests the town should have the report updated just to stay current with the provincial government. “Because otherwise you can get in trouble. There’s lots of changes in the community.”
There are communities considering adjusting the levies to handle recreation costs for municipalities. “It’s just long overdue,” she said.