An effort by Mayor Cathy Heron to allow unused funds in a community capital grant program to be directed toward other budgetary items was struck down.
Council was looking at passing a modified community capital grant policy, and one of the suggested changes was adding a clause stating unused funds would be carried forward into future years of the grant program.
Currently, the program sets aside $250,000 per year for non-profit community groups working on capital projects, such as building playgrounds.
Heron said “philosophically” she does not like the idea of carrying forward unused funds, and she would rather unused funds go into other reserves, such as the city’s stabilization reserve.
“If the community doesn’t need it, council can find a use for it,” she said.
Hughes said there are “ebbs and flows” in applications for the grant program, and some years there is more demand on the program than money available. By putting unused funds into reserves, it could support more projects in the future, she argued.
“They are adding to the quality of life of infrastructure for everyone in St. Albert, not just for a small group. Actually, we’re getting a deal in that they’re adding infrastructure and we’re paying for a third or less of it,” Hughes said. “It’s just to be able to give a cushion.”
