Budget - New Utilities
Staff propose to create two new utilities, one for Protective Services (police and fire) and one for Transportation. I really support this move, as it brings more attention to two important pieces of our Township. The more attention we can give roads, the better.
Last year, the average taxpayer contribution to roads was $192. This year, staff are proposing an increase to $213. We are looking at $19 million in roads, trails, and bike paths (with $11 million of that funded by Road Development Cost Charges).
This includes $1.3 million for realigning 203rd St. in Willoughby, $650,000 to improving 200th St. just south of the freeway interchange, $3.4 million for phase one of the realignment of Mufford Crescent, which will eventually result in a new overpass/intersection at Glover Road, $350,000 for improving three intersections along 16th Ave. (at 216, 224, and 248), and $900,000 for a pedestrian overpass connecting south Murrayville to the hospital.
Protective Services is the major cost-driver in the Township. It is to us what the health care system is to the province: a growing issue. It is moving from $440 last year to $486 this year. There are two major costs--moving to full time fire service and the increasing cost of our RCMP contract.
Staff are proposing to increase our RCMP contingent by three officers and four telecom operators. This costs us $363,000 this year, but more next (it takes time to hire these folks, so we save a bit on their salary this year).
The two Langleys share an RCMP detachment. Presently our combined complement is 1 for every 748 residents; this in line with Surrey's goal of 1 per 750 residents. There is the possibility of forgoing hiring extra officers this year, or reducing the number from three. Each officers costs about $150,000 a year. I'd be interested in your opinion on this.
Our second full time fire hall, in Aldergrove, will also come online this year. The full-time fire hall alone costs about $1.6 million a year. But we need it, our residents want it, and so we have committed to it.
Last year, the average taxpayer contribution to roads was $192. This year, staff are proposing an increase to $213. We are looking at $19 million in roads, trails, and bike paths (with $11 million of that funded by Road Development Cost Charges).
This includes $1.3 million for realigning 203rd St. in Willoughby, $650,000 to improving 200th St. just south of the freeway interchange, $3.4 million for phase one of the realignment of Mufford Crescent, which will eventually result in a new overpass/intersection at Glover Road, $350,000 for improving three intersections along 16th Ave. (at 216, 224, and 248), and $900,000 for a pedestrian overpass connecting south Murrayville to the hospital.
Protective Services is the major cost-driver in the Township. It is to us what the health care system is to the province: a growing issue. It is moving from $440 last year to $486 this year. There are two major costs--moving to full time fire service and the increasing cost of our RCMP contract.
Staff are proposing to increase our RCMP contingent by three officers and four telecom operators. This costs us $363,000 this year, but more next (it takes time to hire these folks, so we save a bit on their salary this year).
The two Langleys share an RCMP detachment. Presently our combined complement is 1 for every 748 residents; this in line with Surrey's goal of 1 per 750 residents. There is the possibility of forgoing hiring extra officers this year, or reducing the number from three. Each officers costs about $150,000 a year. I'd be interested in your opinion on this.
Our second full time fire hall, in Aldergrove, will also come online this year. The full-time fire hall alone costs about $1.6 million a year. But we need it, our residents want it, and so we have committed to it.