Medicine Hat Minute: WestJet Reconsiders, Strategic Streamlining, and Tax Increases Proposed
Medicine Hat Minute: WestJet Reconsiders, Strategic Streamlining, and Tax Increases Proposed
Medicine Hat Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Medicine Hat politics
This Week In Medicine Hat:
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The Public Services Committee will meet today at 3:45 pm. The Committee will receive a presentation on the Community Well-Being Plan as well as one from the Archives about diversity and representation. Joe Hutter, the City's Managing Director, Public Services, will also provide an update on Towne Square.
- There will be a meeting of Council’s Committee of the Whole on Wednesday at 3:45 pm. No agenda is available yet.
- The Royal Canadian Legion's annual Poppy Campaign is underway, with poppy boxes distributed throughout the city. The Robertson Memorial Branch Number 17 is seeking volunteers to staff poppy tables, particularly at the Medicine Hat Mall and Canadian Tire, through November 11th. While cadets cover weekend shifts, additional help is needed for various weekday shifts. Those interested can contact the Legion's branch to volunteer.
Last Week In Medicine Hat:
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City staff presented a proposed 5.6% tax increase over the next two years, including $2 million in cost-cutting measures already factored into the plan. Council requested lower increases, but further reductions were said to be challenging due to a revenue shortfall due to lower revenues from the Alberta power market. Efforts to contain costs include a $2.6 million service level adjustment and holding department budgets steady despite inflation. Utility rate increases are also planned for 2025 to help balance the budget. City officials noted that an additional $8 million in cuts would be necessary to achieve a 3.5% tax increase.
- Council has streamlined its strategic goals with a focus on what they have deemed to be achievable objectives for the year remaining before the next municipal election. Key goals include addressing social disorder, advancing a south-end recreation complex, and fostering economic growth through a Regional Economic Development Plan. Mayor Linnsie Clark expressed concerns over the cost and value of updating Council’s plan, which involved sessions at a local golf club and the hiring of a consultant, and chose not to attend certain strategic meetings. Councillors, however, have emphasized the plan aligns with resident priorities and demonstrates Council’s commitment to addressing community needs.
- WestJet has adjusted its Medicine Hat - Calgary flight schedule following feedback from local business and community leaders. Starting December 5th, daily departures from Medicine Hat will be at 7:30 am with returns from Calgary at 6:35 pm. The flight schedule initially introduced in October offered less convenient times, sparking frustration among frequent travellers and local businesses.
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