Budget hastily approved by council

Budget time has come to an abrupt halt in Lloydminster after the newly-elected council passed the proposed budget during their first meeting together.

The proposed tax increase is 4.5 per cent with a utility fee increase of 5 per cent. 

The city is reporting operating expenditures of $110,049,011 with an operating revenue of $60,646,910. The rest will come from municipal taxes (excluding amortization of $22,671,679).

The 2025 Capital budget has total capital revenues of $52,954,173 to support total costs of $52,954,173.

In terms of expenses, Lloydminster will be spending $43.8 million on salaries alone, roughly 40 per cent of total expenses the city will incur.  The other major expense the city incurs every year is the contracted services, projected to cost $27.3 million. 

They will also be paying $4 million in bank charges this upcoming year. A notable decrease in the budget is a 25 per cent decrease in snow removal. Administration has clarified if more money is needed for snow removal it can be taken from reserves. 

“We’re trying to keep it as on average of  what we typically use, and then if we need more we go to the resiliency reserve that gets approved through council and city manager. That’s how we’ve been dealing with it the last several years,” said Don Stang, executive manager, operations, City of Lloydminster.

An infrastructure gap is something Lloydminster will have to deal with in the future.

FEELEN’ LIKE A CHAMP

Lloydminster’s Lucas Feeley can officially say he’s a World Cup Taekwon-Do champion.

Feeley recently won gold in the Specialty Technique for High Kick in Argentina during the 9th International Taekwon-Do Federation’s (ITF) Taekwon-Do World Cup.

“Finally, it hit. Finally, we’re World Cup champs. All the hard work and everything just washes over you. It’s a bit of disbelief, excitement; it’s the whole nine yards,” said Feeley when asked about the experience.

For Argentina, Feeley focused on flexibility, explosiveness and a 15-lbs weight cut.

“Cutting 15 lbs was a challenge, especially with heavy training sessions,” he said, noting he fought at 151 lbs. 

“Making weight was definitely the first milestone we checked for Argentina.”

This wasn’t Feeley’s first international competition. It was, however, the first time he noticed he was significantly shorter than the
competition.

“I was definitely one of the shorter dudes competing,” he said.

In the finals, Feeley faced competitors from New Zealand and Poland. They were the only three to surpass the first round with 70 other
competitors.

Synergy to transform under new CEO

Lashburn’s Trevor Beaton will head up Synergy Credit Union as its new CEO starting Jan. 1, 2025.

His selection comes as Synergy is exploring a potential merger with Conexus Credit Union and Cornerstone Credit Union in Saskatchewan.

“On behalf of the board, we are thrilled to welcome Trevor as Synergy’s new leader,” said Neil Carruthers, chair of Synergy’s board of directors on Nov. 28.

“As we navigate this pivotal time and explore the province-wide Together for a Thriving Saskatchewan partnership with Conexus and Cornerstone Credit Unions, Trevor’s strategic vision and dedication to community engagement will be instrumental in creating meaningful opportunities for our members, employees, and communities.”

Beaton brings to the job more than 26 years of credit union experience and a proven record of leadership in transformational strategies, promoting workplace wellness, and driving growth initiatives.

Arms battle on border

The Canadian Brewhouse in Lloydminster became a battleground for strength and technique on Dec. 7 as arm wrestlers from Alberta and Saskatchewan clashed in the Border Rivals 3- Arm Wrestling Supermatch Invitational.

The evening celebrated the sport’s rising popularity and brought together competitors from both sides of the provincial border for a unique showdown. Organizer Travis Robertson, who doubles as a promoter, explained the event’s importance.

“We have a good club here,” Robertson said. “It’s the border city, so there’s quite a bit of competition on both the Alberta and Saskatchewan sides. This allows both provinces to come together for one event.”

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