Big surplus graces the hamlet books
Maria Canton
Northern News Services
Iglulik (Nov 13/00) - For the second year in a row, Iglulik hamlet officials expect a surplus of almost $1 million.
"Last year we had a very substantial surplus and this year we managed to build on it -- it isn't a million dollars, but it is close," said Mayor Aime Panimera.
"When I first started five years ago we had a deficit between $500,000 and $600,000 and only through very hard work did we overcome that."
The hamlet council cut their employees hours and benefits like housing allowances and VTAs (vacation travel assistance) and raised rates for water and sewer.
"It was hard and morale was low, but we had to have a stringent deficit reduction program to get out of the hole," said Panimera.
"I won't be running (for mayor) again and I am happy to leave the hamlet in such a good financial situation."
Panimera says it is time for him to concentrate on looking after himself.
"I'm going to take a couple of years off," he said.
"I have to keep myself healthy in order to keep the community healthy."
Panimera said the hamlet still cannot afford to match the territorial government's northern living allowance for its 50 employees, it can raise the allowance from $8,000 to $10,000 a year and has purchased more staff housing.
"I give credit to all of the employees for staying with us when times were so tough, now we can return the favour -- people are happier and morale is higher."
Young residents of Iglulik will get two new playgrounds, one at each end of the hamlet.
