The District of Squamish is asking for $1.42 million for the Aquatic Centre this year, an increase of about $50,000 compared with the previous year, according to a municipal financial analyst.
Rolland Russell told council on Oct. 22 that works out to roughly a 4.2-per-cent increase.
Squamish council voted unanimously in favour of the motion. Coun. Jenna Stoner was absent from the vote.
“We think that given the overall services that are provided, and general increase in costs, age of building, the amount of maintenance that is required and the ongoing operations of the facility, that an increase of that amount or that nature is reasonable and appropriate,” said Russell.
The proposed dollar amount has been submitted to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District for consideration. While the District operates the Squamish Aquatic Centre, the SLRD owns the facility.
Therefore, any budget requests must be approved by the regional district. It will have the final say whether the money will be given.
The money will include $114,000 for four maintenance projects: a change room, HVAC replacement, change room benches, interior door replacement and light replacement.
