Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Norman Wells (Feb 11/02) - Norman Wells town council will most likely approve budget tomorrow after making some tough cuts in a committee meeting leading up to the final decision.

"We scrutinized every item in the budget as close as we could," said Coun. Lee Smith about the $3.2-million budget.

The council faced the daunting task of cutting $200,000 from the budget after deciding not to raise taxes or borrow money. The town raised taxes last year.

Rising fuel, insurance and electricity costs are contributing to the yearly increase in expenses for the town, said Mayor Kevin Diebold.

"It was tough not to raise taxes," said Diebold.

Council cut $12,000 toward the purchase of laptop computers for each councillor. They reduced administration salaries by $50,000 and cut a community bylaw officer position, saving $25,000.

Council also reduced $12,000 from the solid waste strategy budget and $15,000 from recreation. There was also a $17,000 insurance increase.

The territorial government gives $700,000 in funding to Norman Wells and the remaining 66 per cent is raised through taxes.

Diebold said council managed to balance the budget faster than expected. Council will meet tomorrow for a final budget decision.

The mayor said the town is gearing up for a major festival this summer called Reunion 2002. The town is undergoing a facelift, he said, with the upgrading of picnic areas. A beautiful four-log bridge has also been built in the middle of town.