A balanced budget for 2008

Blind trust or complete disinterest? Nevertheless, a budgetary envelope of $66.54 million, which included the sum of $1.61 million for the borough’s development, was distributed.

A balanced budget was the main objective and in order to achieve such a task, the council had to draw in the borough’s surplus. It was underlined that the budget was prepared in the context of the City of Montréal’s directives to reduce expenditures and labour costs, resulting in a decrease in expenditures. A reduction of the workforce is also scheduled to take place between now and 2009.

Residents will be happy to know their wallets won’t slim down as local taxes are not scheduled to increase. However the price rates for recreational and cultural activities will see a minor raise, but this won’t penalize underprivileged families.

At the same meeting, a three-year CIP was also discussed and adopted for 2008 until 2010. This represents a total amount of $27.1 million, of which $7.8 million is earmarked for next year. “The intention was to maintain the infrastructure and to develop it, without affecting the services offered,” said borough director Serge Lamontagne.

The investment for commercial roads had been preceded because of the will to limit spreading out of the revitalization phases on Décarie Boulevard. Still, a $110,000 subsidy was maintained in preparation for the application of signage regulations. In 2009 and 2010, about the same amount should be available for the revitalization of other commercial roads.

The development of parks is one of the major elements of the CIP, as $2.4 million for 2008 and $3.35 million for 2009 are being allowed.

The integrated revitalization plan specific to Place Benoit was also a priority.

The borough director also underlined the environmental aspect regarding the replacements of municipal vehicles and the repair of buildings. The investment of sums in favor of bicycle tracks will account for $1.3 million over the next three years, while taking care that the plans, which are under development, are complementary with those of the City of Montreal. The construction of a new library and a sports complex were also put on top of the “to do” list.

The council members and Mayor Alan DeSousa congratulated the municipal team responsible for next year’s budget, which comes to consolidate the various projects and visions announced by the borough during this past year.

The operating expenses will be distributed as follows (in million):

- $10.14 for general administrative purposes

- $6.8 for maintenance work, urbanism and development

- $18.7 for transportation

- $10.12 for urban cleanliness

- $1.26 for health and well-being

- $19.5 for recreation and culture



(Translated by Pascal LeBlanc)