Town of Taber sign. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Taber approves cuts to council salaries, staff training, non-essential projects

Nov 26, 2019 | 1:14 PM

TABER, AB – In response to cuts from the provincial government and Alberta’s economic downtown, the Town of Taber will be reducing its spending in several areas.

The town said in a media release they were tasked with finding $221,000 in savings to offset the shortfall in revenue but ended up cutting $278,000.

“The cuts which were made beyond the necessary amount provides a taxation cushion depending on the assessed value for land which the taxation model will be based on in early 2020,” says the Town of Taber.

The majority of the provincial cuts came from the Municipal Sustainability Initiative, which Mayor Andrew Prokop says totalled around $160,000.

He adds that the oil downturn and bad weather impacting crops certainly did not help the local economy.

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The following cuts have been approved:

• 5% reduction in council salaries ($11,133)
  Salaries for mayor, deputy mayor, and councillors in Taber for 2019 prior to the 5% reduction. (Supplied by Town of Taber)
• Management wages will be frozen in 2020 ($35,064)
• Staff training not relating to required continuous professional learning is being cut ($55,260)
• Mayor, one councillor, and CAO will not travel to Japan ($11,000)
• Proposed study in the Planning and Economic Development Department is cancelled ($60,000)
• Council Discretionary Fund is reduced ($50,000)
• Vehicle rental, gas, and oil expense efficiencies were found ($12,000)
• Stormwater land improvements are cut ($20,000)
• Proposed natural gas heaters in Confederation Park are cancelled ($20,000)
• Taber’s membership in the Canadian Badlands will not be renewed ($4,500)

“Our budget process has seen some significant constraints and cuts,” says Mayor Andrew Prokop. “However, we know many citizens in our community are having to tighten their own belts and find efficiencies, and it is our duty as Council to do the same on behalf of our taxpayers.”

Prokop adds that, because of these measures being taken now, he hopes to have a balanced budget next year.

“Despite these cuts, I have no doubt our staff will continue to provide excellent service and our citizens will receive the best value for their tax dollars.”

Within the last year, the mayor estimates that nearly 40 new businesses have opened up in Taber, and council is looking at initiatives that would help to attract even more companies.

You can view the full Budget 2020 on the November 25th town council agenda here.