The Public Hearing for the City’s 2009 Financial Plan will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 6:30pm at City Hall, Council Chambers, 225 Reimer Avenue. All Steinbach citizens are encouraged to attend the meeting.
“The public hearing is a great opportunity for the public to not only educate themselves on what the City’s planned projects and programs are for the coming year, but also to ask questions of or provide comments to City Council regarding the City’s plans,” said City Treasurer, Troy Warkentin.
Significant directives for 2009 include no change in the municipal tax rate of 16.8 mills, as well as the addition of one RCMP Constable. A proposed increase in water and sewer rates is also anticipated in the year in order to cover the rising operating costs of providing the service to Steinbach residents and businesses.
2009 Capital Program Projects includes the Wastewater Lagoon Expansion ($10.5 million); the Jake Epp Library Expansion ($2.85 million); and the Steinbach Landfill Expansion ($2.8 million).
Last year, the City’s Capital Program cost $5.36 million. For 2009, the capital projects are estimated to cost $14.9 million. A total of $10.8 million in funding from the Canada-MB Infrastructure Program has been applied for to help offset the significant cost of project construction.
The City’s 2009 Financial Plan is available for viewing on the City’s website at www.steinbach.ca.
Projects completed in 2008 included the Firehall Expansion & Renovation ($2.9 million); Loewen Boulevard asphalt resurfacing ($593,000); Steinbach Soccer Park (ready for Spring 2009); Industrial Road/Acres Drive roadway link to PTH 12 N; and the Southland Estates Sidewalk ($171,000). Additionally, 2.5 kilometres of roadway were added and 226 dwelling units were completed.
