Rescue Pumper targeted in 2024 capital budget

By Trevor Busch
Taber Times
editor@tabertimes.com

Big ticket items proposed in the Town of Taber’s 2024 capital budget include a rescue pumper for the Taber Fire Department ($1,100,000) and the 45 Avenue Cast Iron and Sanitary Replacement ($1,550,000).

Presented at town council’s Oct. 10 meeting, the total capital budget for 2024 rings in at $5,677,170, with $2,876,170 to be allocated from reserves, $851,000 from MSI, $525,000 from Federal Gas Tax, and $1,425,000 from long-term debt (LTD).

Administration has estimated that in 2024 the Town will receive approximately $851,000 from the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) which will be replaced with the LGFF, $525,000 from Federal Gas Tax (FGT), now called the Canada Community Building Fund, and a capital contribution of approximately $2 million.

The federal Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF) was part of the federal budget 2014 and runs from 2014-2024. The program is expected to continue under a renewed agreement beginning in 2024. The CCBF provides predictable, long-term, stable funding for Canadian municipalities to help build and revitalize public infrastructure.

Information Technology has four projects listed for 2024, including the Diamond Upgrade ($10,000), Annual Computer Replacement ($162,200), Downtown Wi-Fi Improvement ($25,000) and Server Upgrades ($60,000).

Police also have four projects earmarked for 2024, including Front Entrance Security Refurbish ($75,000), Radio/Voice Recorder ($90,000), Radio Console ($140,000) and Annual Car Replacement ($75,000).

For Fire, a new Rescue Pumper ($1,100,000) is being requested with funds to be allocated from reserves ($249,000) and MSI ($851,000).

In Engineering and Public Works, projects include 44 Street & 51 Avenue Intersection Improvements ($125,000, funds to be allocated from Federal Gas Tax), Asphalt Milling and Overlay Program ($300,000; funds to be allocated from Reserves $100,000 and Federal Gas Tax $200,000), Surface Works – Sidewalk Replacement ($500,000; funds to be allocated from Reserves $300,000 and Federal Gas Tax $200,000), Traffic Line Painter – Dual Gun ($25,000), Zero Turn Mower ($30,000), South Regional Storm Drainage Commitment – Phase 1 ($242,970), 45 Avenue Cast Iron and Sanitary Replacement ($1,550,000; with funds allocated from Reserves $775,000 and LTD $775,000), Lagoon Sludge Removal – Three Cells ($650,000) and Downtown Sanitary Pipe Relining and Cleaning ($160,000).

For Recreation, projects include a UTV Replacement ($45,000), Hot Water Pressure Washer ($7,000), Skate Park Cement ($40,000), Flat Deck Trailer ($10,000), Legion Park Irrigation Upgrades ($75,000), Water Slide Replacement ($150,000) and Auditorium Table and Chairs Replacement ($30,000).

The present year is the last program year for MSI (Municipal Sustainability Initiative). Additional program changes have been implemented to facilitate program closure and the transition to the LGFF in 2024. Municipalities will continue to access their unspent MSI funding. The allocation formula and program design are still being developed by the province.

The capital budget shows two projects for Council consideration that will require funds to come from long-term debt in the amount of $1.43 million. 

No resolution was made at the Oct. 10 meeting following presentation of the proposed 2024 capital budget.