In a unanimous vote, Trail council officially adopted its 2013 City of Trail budget on Monday night.
The $24 million general revenue fund is slightly outweighed by expenditures, which are projected to be closer to $25 million, taking into account depreciation on capital assets.
But, for the most part, money will be spent giving the city a much needed facelift.
Meaning, after a review of various projected associated with maintaining and improving infrastructure, council approved in excess of 80 projects, with a total value of $8.5 million.
In light of all the improvements, residents may wonder how the bills are getting paid.
In part, what this means to the taxpayer, is an increase in property tax levy, which is a primary revenue source for the city.
For the average residential property with an assessment of $180,000, the tax levy will increase by $6 over the previous year.
Moreover, the total residential utility charges will increase to $620, up from $604 in 2012.
And, the city’s general municipal budget is forecast to increase by 1.99 per cent with a municipal tax levy projected to be set at $11 million.
“Once the budget is adopted, the senior staff of the city is in charge of administering or spending the budget within the legal guidelines the budget imposes,” explained David Perehudoff, chief administrative officer.
He said that throughout the year, council receives reports to inform them how the actual plans are adding up compared to the budget.
“Council receives financial statements each quarter where they are advised how the city is doing compared to the budget approved.”
Approval for larger purchases, in excess of $50,000 may go before council at a later date, but the day-to-day operating costs, including payroll and general purchasing are handled by city management.
Most notable among the approved projects is the $1.2 million earmarked for the Victoria Street Corridor gateway project, set to begin this summer.
The realm of the city’s work on the Gateway project will involve extensive infrastructure improvements along Victoria Street, which include: new curbs and drainage; sidewalk resurfacing and realignment; bump outs; improved pedestrian crossings; and centre medians delineated for future planting.
Additional upcoming projects include sewer system upgrades for $700,000; water system improvements at $739,000; transportation and mobile equipment upgrades, $346,000; and the riverwall restoration at a cost of $140,000.
On the far side of town, pedestrians may once again have the luxury of crossing the Columbia River at a second site, as $250,000 has been earmarked in the budget to begin engineering studies at the old bridge.
Children and recreationist interests have been included in the budget with $50,000 being set aside for playground equipment in Lower Sunningdale Park; and over $180,000 for locker replacement at the aquatic and leisure centre.