LETHBRIDGE, AB – Some money is going back to Lethbridge’s Parks department after its annual budget was cut by almost $600,000.
City Council voted 5-4 on Tuesday to re-invest $100,000 for this year’s budget.
Councillor Blaine Hyggen introduced to resolution saying many residents are expressing “extreme dissatisfaction” with reduced service levels in parks and open spaces.
The funds will come from the Municipal Revenue Stabilization Reserve (MRSR).
As part of the resolution, the City Manager was directed to report back to Council in the Spring on the outcomes of this budget change and its impact on the aesthetics of Lethbridge’s parks and open spaces.
Council voted to reduce the Parks budget by $590,500 annually through the Operating Budget Review in November 2020.
The City notified residents in late June that service levels would be altered this summer because of the budget cut and to expect reduced dryland mowing, weeding, tree trimming etc.
Tuesday’s original resolution was split after a motion to divide, proposed by Councillor Rob Miyashiro, carried 6-3. Part 2 was defeated in a 6-3 vote. It wold have added $404,500 back to the Parks budget in 2022.