The wrangling has begun in earnest over the District of Squamish's 2004 budget, with several ideas to boost revenue and cut expenses floating about.
Mayor Ian Sutherland suggested at council's budget meeting Tuesday (Mar. 2) one way to shrink the difference between expenses and income is to impose a one per cent cut to each district department.
Sutherland noted that Patrick Robins, the district's outgoing Director of Financial Services, does not support the move.
Robins said that if the concept is used it will mean the core budgets of each department will be impacted.
Coun. Corinne Lonsdale indicated that she won't support the move.
Sutherland introduced the idea of creating a recreation tax similar to the one in place at Canmore, Alta., where developers are charged a flat fee for each home or housing unit they build.
"Their money is dedicated strictly to recreation facilities," Sutherland said. "I think we should also apply it to outdoor recreation.
Administrator Kim Anema told council that the concept needs to be researched by staff because Alberta's taxation regulations are different from those in B.C.
Council directed staff to look into whether or not such a tax can be imposed in Squamish.
Councillors also discussed the future of the summer market that started last summer and ran successfully. The council members all want to see it continue. Sutherland wants the district to put up a waterfront building that can function as a place where the market can be held.
Coun. Jeff Dawson and Lonsdale expressed concern over the amount of money - $220,000 - being talked about for the building.
"We're not in the farmers' market business," Dawson said.
"The community is at the point where it is asking for some new infrastructure that fits the new direction," said Coun. Dave Fenn.
"I see a real need for something like that downtown," Coun. Ray Peters added.
Council members also had their first look at the grant-in-aid applications for the coming year. There are a total of 11 grant applications totaling $106,886.12.
The biggest request is from The Howe Sound Women's Centre. The centre is asking for $47,000 so it can continue to operate for another year (see related story page 3).
The Squamish Trail Society is requesting $22,700 to build more trails and related infrastructure, the Royal Canadian Legion is looking for $14,261.12 to cover the Legion's property taxes owing from 2003, and the next big request is for $10,725.00 to outfit the Royal Canadian Army Cadets in Squamish.
The next budget meeting is set for Tuesday (Mar. 9) at Municipal Hall. Members of the public are invited to give their comments between 6 and 7 p.m. or email their comments to [email protected] by Mar. 19.
