On July 13th Spruce Grove's City council approved a $5 Million Temp Borrowing Bylaw. All three readings were passed unanimously.

Considering the notes from the agenda regarding this bylaw there must have been some backroom discussions that the public was not privy too as they raise a number of questions. For example, the agenda information states, "In the last few years, the City has increased the efficiency of financial planning and project timing to utilize funding earlier. As a result cash balances have decreased." So it appears the City has increased efficiency so much that they may now have to borrow up to $5,000,000.00 at anytime without permission from City Council. Must be one of those statistic issues.

One argument for the bylaw discussed was that other municipalites were doing the same so of course logic dictates that Spruce Grove should do the same. Statistics again? I'm not sure but its not the first time City Council has passed controvercial bylaws during the summer when few residents are paying attention. It would be nice if residents could have a better understanding of this and we welcome any comments that would help justify this bylaw.