Massive cuts in the City of Dryden.
Council has approved $387,423 in cuts to capital and operating budgets throughout the Municipality.
Treasurer Linda McNaughton says the move was needed to balance the 2012 budget and department heads worked diligently to find cost savings.
Most of the cuts come in travel and training and several capital projects have also been put on the shelf.
The City is also reducing its grant to the Dryden Development Corporation by $33,000.
However, McNaughton cautions that the cuts come with some level of risk and the situation may change.
She notes equipment breakdown or sudden repairs will see the capital budget increase.
She adds there’s a possible risk to service levels and department efficiencies.
The following is a summary of cuts or deferral of operating and capital projects:
Administration – Travel and training $1,500, Labour relations $1,000.
Finance – Wages and benefits $24,000, travel and training $5,000, advertising
$1,500, general expenses $1,500, labour relations $1,000.
Facilities Management – Energy Management Initiative $20,000.
Human Resources – Travel and training $1,000, Organization training $7,000.
IT – Travel and training $12,500, software annual licensing $12,000, network
infrastructure capital $9,000
Health and Safety – Training $5,000, health and safety banquet $2,500
Public Works – MTO connecting link for Duke street net $60,000, Swanson Creek
bridge capital $45,000, Welcome signs capital $25,000.
Fleet Management – Wages and benefits $64,000.
Cemetery – Grounds maintenance – $14,000 for irrigation and roadwork.
Arena – Building maintenance $7,400.
Parks – Equipment replacement $3,000, tree maintenance $3,000.
Museum – travel and training $1,000, board development $1,500.
DDC – grant to the Dryden Development Corporation reduced by $33,000.
Library – Library board expenses $800, Periodicals $1,200.
Airport – Cuts total $13,000 not specifically identified.
Other minor wage adjustments to various departments – $11,023.
