The Town of Lanigan has approved its 2018 budget.

Here are the highlights, as provided by administrator Jennifer Thompson.

2018 Budget

Council did not change the mill rate which sits at 5.78 although an increase in base taxes of $25 was applied to all residential and commercial properties. This increases revenue approximately $16,000 - or a 2.36 per cent increase in tax levy. Revenue sharing decreased by seven per cent and potash tax sharing decreased in 2018. The net decrease in revenues has resulted in decreased capital spending.

Council approved infrastructure renewal which is very important in keeping our community financially strong. Asset management completed in 2015 showed Council where investment in infrastructure is required. The water network value is $10,667,000, sewer services $11,617,000, storm sewer network $9,247,000, transportation and equipment $23,780,000 and recreation $8,059,000. That is $63 million dollars in assets if we were to replace them at today’s cost. We have 15 km of water lines, 18.8 km of sewer lines and 25.6 km of main roads. This is all managed on a total budget of $2.8 million. We were successful in receiving a total of $4.09 million to upgrade our water and sewer systems.

Protective Services

An increase in the Policing Requisition accounts for the increase in protective services. Council also has budgeted to replace eight fire hydrants this year.

Water/Sewer

Upgrades to the Main Lift station were completed this spring, replacing the interior piping with stainless steel, as many years of corrosion were starting to affect the integrity of the piping. This was the most important upgrade at this time however two of the three lift stations will need upgrading over the next few years. The cost of this project was $161,000.

 The lagoon expansion was completed in 2017. This new lagoon meets federal standards. New regulations were being imposed and we were proactive in requesting the expansion in our grant application.

The wells were completed as well in 2017 and are located west of the sportsgrounds. Council upgraded to stainless steel casing in the wells to extend the useful life.

The Town awarded the contract for the final phase of the water treatment upgrade project to Miners Construction. The well building, raw water line and retrofit of the water treatment plant are within that contract. The project is expected to be completed in December 2018 and the budgeted cost is $4.9 million (including engineering and contingency expenses). Grant funding through the Building Canada Fund - National-Regional Projects – Provincial Territorial Infrastructure Components available of $2.925 million will fund a large portion of the remaining project.

The Town will be borrowing a portion of the funds required to complete the project and using $500,000 in reserves. Water and sewer is self funded including capital financing and improvements.

Transportation/Public Works

Transportation will see some capital equipment replacement this year. With a new sweeper attachment and a new mower. Capital is being reserved to replace the Town Shop.

Road maintenance will continue with pothole patching and some pavement patches being completed where cracking is the worst. Downing Drive between Main Street and Hoover Street was excavated in 2017 and weeping tile installed to drain water from the road base. This will extend the life of the pavement and stabilize the road base. This same construction will be used on Hoover Street once the raw water line is installed. Hoover will be repaved after ensuring the road base is stable.

Environmental Services

As a member of REACT the Town of Lanigan is required to contribute to the construction of the landfill near Leroy. Our capital contribution for 2017 & 2018 is $97,000 with a small portion remaining in 2019. The requirement is $155 per capita.

Recreation/Green Space

With the success of our community BBQ as a participant in the Great 8 Contest in July 2017, new bleachers were completed for the ball diamonds. With the help of the students in the LCHS Shop Class additional dugouts are being completed. Smaller repair and maintenance will continue at recreation facilities.

The Great 8 Community BBQ on July 26, 2017 raised approximately $7,600 for sportsground upgrades. The perimeter ball fences were repaired in September. The Town also contracted Bros. Welding to manufacture four new bleachers for spectators. Additional improvements are needed and we will continue to upgrade as funds allow.

The Waterpark Committee has been working hard to fundraise for the new swimming pool. The estimated cost is $1.7 million. Until there is $1 million raised, construction will not start. Donations are accepted at the Town Office. The committee continues to apply for funding through corporate donations. If any grants become available, the Town will apply for the facility. We are always in need of qualified lifeguards.

While managing expenses remains a priority, continued investment in infrastructure keeps our community strong.