Tuesday, December 1, 2015

My Message to the Community in the Town of Killam Christmas Newsletter

Once again we are into the Christmas Season and the end of another year is upon us. 

With that comes an opportunity for me to provide a message in our Town of Killam Newsletter, and I am sharing it here for those that will not see the Newsletter in their mailbox.

We have lots to celebrate in our community - we are blessed with many comforts and with many good friends & neighbours.  

From our family to yours, we wish you the very best of the Season.

Tammy & Bud







It’s my pleasure, on behalf of Council, to update you on some community achievements & milestones from the past year.

Council was pleased to host a Volunteer Appreciation Evening early in the year, with special entertainment by Jimmy Whiffen.  Our volunteers were treated to a great meal & a fantastic private concert.  While we tried to be diligent in identifying all of our volunteers, we do know that we missed some and for that I sincerely apologize.  If you were missed please send me a note to make sure we get you on the list for next time.  Also, if you want to volunteer in our community & have a particular interest, please contact us – we will be happy to match you with a project or organization that will be a good fit.

Our community took a significant step early this year and have formed the Killam Community Development Cooperative.  The concept for this was well supported and, while this organization does not have a project currently, we now have a tool that we can use to respond to a future project that requires investment from our community.

Currently, Killam has very few residential lots available for sale.  Council recognizes that new residential development is important for our community and so have purchased some property earlier this year to make more lots available.  Development plans are proceeding and the expectation is to have lots available for sale shortly.

Killam Minor Hockey Assn. has taken the bold step of completing a merger with Sedgewick Minor Hockey Assn.  The new Battle River Minor Hockey is into its first year of operations and indications are that things are going very well.  Congratulations to all who took the lead in this merger – regional cooperation like this means a big leap of faith for everyone, but a firm commitment by all to diligently work toward success makes a huge difference.  

As well, congratulations to Vern Erickson and Lloyd Franke on their nomination to The Killam Hall of Fame, and congratulations to Kim Dammann on being named Citizen of the Year.  Vern & Lloyd were a part of the board that built the Killam Community Hall 25 years ago.  All three of these men are an example of what volunteers give to our community, and I thank them for their ongoing efforts.

On the financial file, Town of Killam completed capital projects in 2015 with a total value of $1.1 Million.  It is so important to keep our infrastructure updated; in dollar terms it is a huge part of the municipality and we just can’t afford to let things slide.  Council has provided significant resources to capital upgrades in the past, and continues that commitment with $1.245 Million going to capital projects for the upcoming year.  This will include a replacement sewer lift station, residential lot development, and the last Phase of our examination of underground sanitary sewer lines.  We are pleased to report that any upgrades identified in the first 3 Phases of this program have been completed.

Of particular note, Council has just approved their Operating Budget for 2016 and has taken the unusual step of keeping revenue from property taxes at the same level as 2015.  Council recognizes that Alberta & Canada are in challenging economic times and this may continue well into the future.  Many of our citizens are, or will be facing significant household financial challenges, and a zero percent increase in revenue from property taxes will hopefully help them balance their personal budgets.  However, this is unlikely to be repeated by Council next budget year; municipal expenses trend upward with the cost of living just like our own expenses.  In past Council has set a target increase in property taxes equal to this cost of living and it will be necessary to do the same going forward in order for our municipality to remain sustainable.

I want to take this opportunity to thank my Council colleagues for their hard work.  This group represents our municipality very well.  They are strategic in their thinking and collectively want to see the best for Killam and our region for the long term.

As well, I want to say a big thank you to our Administration team.  This group delivers the municipal services that we appreciate so much, working hard every day to make sure our tax dollars are spent wisely.

In Killam we like to say we are living “Life Without Compromise” and, looking back on 2015, I believe this statement to be true.  We have much to celebrate & be thankful for as a community, including the promise the future holds.

On behalf of my Council colleagues & their families, I wish all in our community a Merry Christmas & the very best in the New Year.


Sincerely,
Bud James
Mayor