More dogs to be nabbed
Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Jan 19/01) - An increase in wages is mainly responsible for the protective services budget rising this year to $330,000, up from $311,223.
At a public meeting on the Town of Inuvik's 2001 budget, Mayor Peter Clarkson explained more money will be spent to hire animal control officers.
Clarkson said this would free up the bylaw officers. As well, the town has created a half-time position for someone to perform clerical duties for the bylaw officers.
The administrative department has been trimmed from $1,044,844 to $990,000.
Coun. Denny Rodgers explained the main reason is the roughly $26,000 savings realized by discontinuing the two per cent discount, which has been offered to those who pay their taxes within 30 days of receiving their notices.
A fourth full-time position has been created at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex. Previously three full-time workers and one casual employee worked there.
Rodgers explained the town expects to collect $60,000 in tipping fees at the town dump.
The loss of federal grants means the town has to add $67,000 to the leisure services department.
Library expenses climbed from $200,000 to $240,000, due mainly because of council's decision to create an extra half-time position, after complaints had been voiced last year about how understaffed the library was.
Rodgers noted one big item within capital expenditures is $500,000 for paving and sidewalks.
"That's approximately $300,000 more than we normally budget," Rodgers said.
He explained that public works is looking at establishing a four-or five-year capital plan, spending $500,000 per year to get the town's roads in better shape.
