The City of Dauphin held a public hearing to discuss the 2019 Financial Plan last night at City Hall.
City Manager Sharla Griffiths laid out what money will be spent and where. She stated that there wouldn’t be any program cuts, and the city would continue to focus on green initiatives. Those initiatives include building a compost site and implementing a solar energy system at the city shop.
The adjustments to the budget include a 1.9% increase towards protective services. This increase is to allow a 15th RCMP officer to help combat the gang and drug problem. Also, part of the protective services budget is allocated to the Dauphin Fire Department for new equipment including two dash cameras, a new radio system, and new SCBA’S, helmets and boots.
There is also an increase in spending on transportation services. The budget for public works will increase by 7.9% which includes around $1 million dedicated to the maintenance of roads and sidewalks. The budget also allows the city to conduct a drainage study for the south end of Dauphin.
The city’s recreational and cultural centres will see an increase in grants. The WAC, Fort Dauphin Museum, Parkland Regional Library will all see more funding totalling up to a 3.1% increase.
Overall, the 2019 Financial Plan is supposed to lower the city’s debt by almost $50,000 and see the reserve fund for the city grow to almost $8 million.
