Saint John capital budget sets out $21M in spending

Saint John's proposed capital budget for 2016 would increase spending on roads and sidewalksand sets aside $6.8 million for flood control work.

However, city council learned on Monday night thata little more than half of the $21.2-million budget would be funded by debt.

Under the plan presented to city council,the city would invest $4.6 million in road reconstruction, asphalt replacement and sidewalksabout 10 per cent more than is budgeted in those areas this year.

Other proposedexpenditures include:

• $700,000 for renovations to the City Market.
• $800,000 for improvements to sports fields and playgrounds.
• $500,000 for a new fire truck.
• $1.2 million to partially fund a new emergency trunk radio system for police and firefighters.
• $475,000 for a new city transit bus
• $2 million for the replacement of other city vehicles.
• A number of smaller amounts are set aside for upgrades to city facilities.

More than $15 million in additional requests are not being recommended for funding in the draft budget.

Along with several street reconstruction projects, that list includes $155,000 for a handibus and $200,000 for the replacement of firearms for the police department.

New handibus left off purchase list

The decision to leave the handibus off the list raised questions during the council meeting.

Coun.Donna Reardon, whosits on the Saint John Transit Commission board,said two of the commission's six handibuses are now out of service.

Reardon said there were seven days in October when a full city transit bus had to be used in place of a handibus

"The handibuses are in bad shape and they really do need one if you want to continue to provide that service," said Reardon.

Coun.Bill Farren said heis worried the proposed budget calls on council to approve $11.7 millionin borrowing.

He notes the city pays $16.2 million annually toward its $120-million overall debt.

"[That debt service cost]would go a long way to pay for some of the bills and some of the upgrades that we're doing," Farren said.

Coun.David Merrithew also raised the debt issue and saiduncertainty over interest rates creates a huge the risk for the city.

"Interest rates are abnormally, historically very, very, low and they won't stay that way," said Merrithew.

The capital budget is to be voted on possibly with revisions at a future meeting.