KINKORA, P.E.I. — The Rural Municipality of Kinkora has set its budget for 2020-21.
Councillors approved the financial document during a recent meeting at Kinkora Place where they were seated at separate tables two metres apart to maintain social distancing during the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) pandemic.
The meeting was streamed on Facebook Live.
The budget shows a surplus of about $4,000 after the municipality received an increase to the transfer grant from the provincial government. Kinkora has budgeted $280,504 for operating expenses while revenues are estimated to be $284,866.
The municipality is anticipating the surplus may be needed as the coronavirus continues to impact all industries and areas in the province.
“We could have a challenging year here,” said Coun. Colin Montgomery.
Kinkora’s capital expenditures include extending sidewalks to the west end of the municipality using $351,000 of gas tax funds. Council also budgeted $64,000 for a generator to supply emergency power to Kinkora Place.
Council members voted in February to retain the existing tax rates.
The commercial rate is 57 cents per $100 of assessment while the non-commercial rate is 55 cents per $100 of assessment.
During the recent meeting, the municipality decided to postpone the April 6 byelection to fill two vacant positions on council. A new date will be announced later.
Councillors also decided to donate the remaining $250 in the 2019-20 donations budget to the South Shore Food Share.
“There’s an enormous increase in use from people who maybe thought they’d never have to use the food bank,” said Coun. Leslie Cousins, who recently met with one of the managers of the Crapaud-based organization.
