By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

Council to be More Stringent Approving New Community Projects

Jun 21, 2016 | 10:56 AM

LETHBRIDGE – The City of Lethbridge could be placed under some pressure while approving community projects for the next Capital Budget.

In an estimated forecast, the City has just under $5-million in available funds. However, that doesn’t take into account a re-evaluation for projects already approved in the current budget.

“We don’t want to mislead people into thinking there’s lots of money available, and multiple projects will be approved. We’re only going to create disappointment if we do that,” noted Mayor Chris Spearman.

Spearman explained that for every $15-million they add to the next CIP, that means a one-per cent tax hike. For a project like the third bridge, which is estimated to cost roughly $150-million, a tax increase of around 10-per cent would be required.

Spearman says he’s also determined to be noticed for federal and provincial funding.

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A new process to determine project prioritization will be up for approval at the Monday, June 27 Council meeting. It includes a set of criteria community projects must meet before they can be approved for funding.

Community organizations should be able to make idea presentations by this September, and Administration should have them rated by November.

The next set of priorities will be determined after debate in May and June 2017.

Click here for more detailed information on projects in the current Capital Improvement Program.