Although only 11 members of the public attended the Town Hall meeting of the 2013 Ashcroft budget, those present had lots of questions for Council. And very few of those were about the budget.
Besides explaining reserve funds, property taxes and a brief look at the 2013 $4.4 million municipal budget, treasurer Linda Howika listed some of the spending projects the Village is planning for this year. They include planning for the 20th anniversary of Ashcroft’s relationship with Sister City Bifuka; Review of automated garbage truck; Hiring of a grant writer (done); Completion of sewage treatment plant upgrades which have been underway for two years; HVAC replacement on Lady Minto building; New roof on old firehouse; wifi in Legacy Park; Another columbarium (done); Cross connection program (backflow installation); Seniors heritage data collection; and the beginning of the 20 year Water Master Plan.
Council was questioned about plans for sharing municipal water with the Ashcroft Indian Band. Mayor Andy Anderson replied that the plans were on hold for the moment.
He added that Interior Health is pushing the village to change to an infiltration operation for its drinking water, and that the Master Plan would address this. The change would mean treating the water with chlorine, sand and UV.
