Council will be faced with some tough decisions as it enters its 2008 budget deliberations. There’s a lot of pressure to build a second arena pad at an estimated $5 million capital price tag, but the question is can we afford it? The arguments for a second pad are sound during good times, but is now really the time to do it? Taxpayers are already facing huge increases to water and sewer and road infrastructure, the civic centre has not yet been paid for, River Mill Park is still in its infancy, the West End is being revamped along with the King William corridor and our overall economic outlook is somewhat precarious. Our reserves are low, we are being told that erratic weather patterns will become part of the norm, and judging by the recent flood we had, saving money for a rainy day is not merely good planning, it is responsible planning. We are still awaiting results from tests conducted at the old tannery site, as well as water tests conducted on Gun Club Road. If any of these results are less than adequate, the taxpayer may be on the hook for the cleanup costs. We have heard time and again people in this town, especially those with small children, complain of inadequate green spaces and the need to “green” Huntsville. The soccer club is asking for more pitches. That too will require funds. The budgeting process has only just started and already there are five departments asking for more staff at an estimated increase of about $340,000. We still don’t have a CAO in place, and council is also asking for a pay hike. If another arena pad is the way to go, perhaps council ought to start building a reserve fund for it while it concentrates on existing infrastructure. There is also the question of space. If the existing park goes, where will the town run its popular summer activities for children? The next time council has a visioning meeting, rather than asking members of the community to dream big, it ought to ask them whether now is the time for a second arena pad since that seems to be one of the concrete budget decisions council will have to make. If we fork out the cash for an additional pad now, will there be room for anything else? Until that question is answered, perhaps Huntsville staff can concentrate on better coordinating the use of rink space with its counterparts in other municipalities throughout the district.
Festival of the Arts
