While Canadians await the results of the 2025 federal election Monday night, North Battleford’s mayor and councillors will be focused on their eighth regular council meeting of the year — and a busy agenda to tackle.
Among all the items on the list, council is expected to finalize a reduced 2025 property tax increase and consider changes to the city’s panhandling and public behaviour bylaw.
Administration is recommending council lower the previously approved property tax hike from 4.39 per cent to 4.27 per cent, following final adjustments to the city’s budget. The revisions reflect higher library security costs, staffing support for the parks department and reduced transit funding.
The Lakeland Library Region has advised the city that North Battleford’s library operating costs will rise by $23,500 this year, mainly due to increased security expenses.
Council will also consider approving $16,800 to hire a part-time administrative assistant for Parks and Recreation — a reduction from the original $26,000 request, as the position is expected to be filled later this spring rather than at the start of the year.
Meanwhile, transit service will be scaled back starting in May, with Battlefords Public Transit operating two routes until April and one route for the remainder of the year. The transit budget has now been reduced to $178,079 from $238,586 for 2025.
Also on the agenda is a proposed amendment to the Panhandling and Public Behaviours Bylaw. The changes would expand the authority of Community Safety Officers (CSOs) when dealing with individuals under the influence in public spaces.
Under the current bylaw, CSOs must contact the RCMP if alcohol is a factor, limiting their ability to intervene directly. The proposed amendment would allow CSOs to determine an individual’s level of intoxication, verify their identity and either arrest under the bylaw or release them to a safe location, such as a shelter, when appropriate.
Lindsay Holm, director of protective services, says in a report that the amendment would promote a more trauma-informed approach to addressing addictions, improve flexibility for officers and free up RCMP resources.
It would also formally add a definition of “peace officer” to the bylaw and set clear procedures for detaining and releasing individuals.
Council is expected to vote on the 2025 reduced tax increase and is recommended to give three readings to the bylaw amendment at Monday’s meeting, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Don Ross Centre Chamber and open to the public both in person and via Zoom.
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