An interim budget was adopted in December 2012 to allow for financial changes that could potentially be brought forth by the services and structural review, originally anticipated to be completed in January. The review is not finalized yet, “but we’re running out of time so it’s time to pass the budget,” said Mayor Richard Ireland.
He asked for clarification regarding the assumption that the review’s results will be “neutral or positive in terms of the budget.”
“Our anticipation is that the structural review will highlight areas for us to be more efficient and more effective,” replied Alice Lettner, director of finance. “It may not reduce our costs, but it should give us greater results.”
The services and structural review began last fall. It is the first large scale review the Municipality of Jasper has undertaken to ensure it is running as efficiently as possible.
In August 2012, a funding request for $106,990 was approved by council for the review. At that time, the standard two week public notice period was waived to ensure the review was complete in time for the 2013 budget process.
Peter Waterworth, chief administrative officer for the municipality, could not be reached by press time to comment on when the review will be complete.
