Municipality of Barrington approves $8.8-million operating budget

Several projects earmarked for funding

The Municipality of Barrington has approved an operating budget of just under $8.8 million for the 2018-19 fiscal year that includes improvements to the Sandy Wickens Memorial Arena, the first steps towards a new recreation building, a renewal project at the Brass Hill Sewer Treatment Plant and the development of plans for ballfield upgrades, beach projects and business park development.

Municipal council approved the budget at the April 23 coun- cil session. The residential tax rate will remain steady at $1.01 per $100 of assessment. The commercial rate will also stay the same at $2.56 per $100 of assessment. Among the expenditures in the budget are approximately $2 million for policing and other protective services, $1.3 million for education and $1.3 million in financing of projects.

“The budget process this year had council meet on numerous occasions beginning in early January, and hold a consultation meeting with the public,” said a press release from the municipality. “Council received all the information from staff and citizens and carefully deliberated on the budget before setting rates and developing future capital project plans. Council is excited to be moving forward on a number of projects that will see much needed improvements to capital assets.” The replacement of the furnace and ice resurfacer, painting and roof repairs are slated for the Sandy Wickens Memorial Arena. The recreation centre building has been earmarked for replacement by council.

“We will be hiring an architect/designer soon and asking the public what they want to see that can be accomplished within our budget constraints,” said Barrington CAO Rob Frost.

Council has also committed to doing some upgrades at the beaches over the coming years, said Frost.

“This may mean parking, change or washroom facilities, signage, etc.,” he said. “We will be meeting over the next few months to develop a beach plan/strategy.”

The budget also calls for the completion of the sidewalk by the Cape Sable Island Causeway and funding for ballfield upgrades.