After weeks of deliberation, the town of Jasper finally passed its $12,442,675 operations budget. The budget increase represents a 3.4 per cent increase over 2009, and according to Town manager George Krefting will likely result in a less than two per cent increase to the tax bill.

The initial operations budget included a proposed 6.1 per cent increase, and Mayor Richard Ireland said he’s satisfied the town was able to keep spending down without cutting services.

“I’m fairly satisfied with the outcome. We’re maintaining service without putting an unfair burden on the taxpayer,” Mayor Ireland said. ‘We budgeted for the continuation of service.”

Mayor Ireland also saw one of his own projects get into the budget – $5,000 for marketing. Mayor Ireland said he’s anticipating funding requests from the newly formed Jasper Destination Marketing Committee, and wants to be prepared when that occurs.

Krefting said it’s still difficult to tell what the overall affect of the budget increase will be on taxes, as the municipality must wait until April to figure out the education tax portion of the tax bill. It currently estimates $3,032,978 will be raised through the education tax, plus $315,605 for the Evergreen Seniors Assisted Living facility.

There were a handful of last minute changes made to the budget. Social norms received another $3,000 after Coun. Brian Skehill pushed the merits of the program.

Coun. Skehill also attempted to send a message to Parks Canada about Victim Services. Victim Services was looking for $11,700 from the municipality to continue service in the community. Since 24 per cent of Victim Services calls occur outside of the town boundaries, Coun. Skehill proposed a motion to only fund $9,000 of that money and have Parks pick up the rest of the bill.

However with Superintendent Greg Fenton watching from the public gallery, council agreed with Coun. Skehill in principle, but feared the cuts could jeopardize the program. The motion was defeated.

Mayor Ireland said Victim Services is another example of a downloaded project the town must pay for, something he calls unfair.

The budget passed with unanimous support. Coun. Brenda Zinck was happy with the budget, and said it was important to send a message that the town needs partners in order to deal with downloading.

The town also changed its relationship with The Skinny. Operations of The Skinny have been transferred to the community team and the town is now a sponsor of the publication. The town now contributes $5,000 to The Skinny. Coun. Zinck said she hopes other businesses in Jasper will follow suit and sponsor the publication.

Last year, the town contributed $10,000 towards the printing of The Skinny.

Other programs were also affected. Travel budgets were cut in a number of departments, and the town cut its contribution to the community dinners program by $1,500.

The Roots of Empathy program was also cut, saving another $1,500 and summer grounds staff will be reduced from six to five, saving about $22,000.