Council Briefs: By-election Wrap-up

Robert Thomas

Byelection Wrap Up – 11 percent turnout

Tracy Wittke, returning officer for both the councillor by-election and the trustee election for the Holy Trinity School Division, gave a preliminary report on the October 17th election.

A total of 3178 voted, which is about 11 percent of all eligible voters in the City. Ballots cast for actual candidates was 3162.

There were five advance polls where 530 people voted. There were three people who made use of mail in ballots as they were unable to attend advance or the regular poll.

No numbers were given as to the actual number of ballots cast or a percentage of eligible voters who exercised their franchise in the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division trustee election.

A further, more comprehensive report is expect later to Council.

Police Budget Received

The 2019 operating and 2019-2023 capital budget for the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) was received and filed. The budget will be discussed and debated as part of the over City budget process.

MJPS is looking for a $318,373 or 3.35 percent increase in its 2019 operating budget versus 2018. MJPS is expecting to spend $11,116,746 in the coming year.

In the 2019-2023 capital budget MJPS is looking for an additional $65,000 in 2019. There is $363,380 in carryover funding already in place in a capital reserve fund.

Library Budget Received

The Moose Jaw Public Library presented it’s operating budget for 2019.

In 2019 the Library is seeking $1,199,519 from the City in a status quo budget. In 2018 the Library Budget was $1,163,406.

The Library Budget will be discussed and debated as part of the City Budget process.