We just concluded our City of Steinbach Council Study Session in which we discussed our 2010 budget.
The agenda was spent reviewing our capital and operational projects that we feel the City needs.  What I found interesting was the different opinions that were shared by the Mayor and councilors against how staff viewed the priorities. In each of our situations we have our own views regarding the different priorities. In each case our life experiences mixed with our perceptions along with our peer group, then add in our own expectations of why we were elected. All this makes for interesting dynamics as the discussions take place.

We do have big expenditures coming to our community. With our growth continuing at a big pace it is reaching the point where dollars need to be spent to upgrade our infrastructure along with needed amenities. How does one do this in an economic down-turn in attempting to hold the line on taxes, receiving fewer grants and more Provincial and Federal requirements.

Over the next couple of months the recommendations we set out will be brought to the public through our council meetings.  Each item will be discussed again in a public form so councilors can publicly speak to each issue.

Interesting times indeed!