COVID response to cost Brooks $900K

By Medicine Hat News on June 19, 2020.

Responding to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown will cost the City of Brooks almost $900,000 in lost revenue, extra costs and financial aid measures, local administrators stated this week.

The city of 15,000 residents an hour west of Medicine Hat was the centre of one of Alberta’s largest outbreaks of COVID-19.

Once additional expenses, lost revenue and savings, like lower staffing costs from reduced operations, are calculated the total impact is an additional $871,000.

Direct costs totalled $582,000, according to a presentation this week to the city’s council members.

Most relates to direct action to manage the pandemic, including $253,000 on operational measures required to maintain social distancing, another $253,000 on community isolation centre and assessment centre, $39,000 on supplies, $15,000 in telephone costs and other various smaller amounts.

An “Economic Initiative” meant to lessen financial strain includes a municipal tax rebate program worth $310,000 and $94,000 in waived penalty fees and permit fees.

The municipality has lost revenue from recreation and user fees is estimated to be $635,000, offset by $492,000 in savings after staff were laid off and other savings.

Deferring or cancelling projects totalled $295,500.

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