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By Justine Kelsie

Budget deliberations for city of Grande Prairie

Nov 13, 2018 | 5:17 AM

It’s budget week at city hall with two and a half days set aside for councillors to figure out where they want to spend money and where they want to reel it in. 

Councillors have been turning to social media to ask residents questions as well as gathering their thoughts before heading into the talks this Wednesday. Councillor Wade Pilat is going into his second budget with some goals in mind when it comes to taxes.

“We could have achieved a zero (per cent increase) last year. Anytime we add on a budget we are compounding the problems. I am disappointed that we didn’t go to zero last year,” says Pilat.

“Having said that, we have to go to minus three or below for me to be happy with this year’s budget. I think minus three is the minimum I want to see,” he says.

This isn’t the only time that Pilat has brought up his interest in taxes. He says he ran for council with decreasing taxes in mind and when he couldn’t make the meeting last year, he sent Councillor Chris Thiessen to relay his thoughts on the topic.

According to the city’s Chief of Staff Shane Bourke, this is the first time the city will be making decisions in a two-and-a-half-day time span. They are usually given about six days and Pilat thinks it isn’t enough time.

“I think a lot of councillors will be frustrated with me because I am going to ask a lot of questions and take more time than they wish. I have never thought two-and-a-half-days was enough time. I think for the major decision we are about to make and the impact it will have on every home owner and business owner in the community, it is one of our core jobs.”

The talks will begin Wednesday with a general and local economic forecast presentation. After a financial strategy overview, the council will be presented with packages followed by discussion and voting. The final tax impact will be decided on day three. 

by Justine Kelsie