(File photo)
The Town of Edson’s financials are in good shape.
At Edson town council’s April 19 meeting, the Town received its audited financial statements from Shannon Barford of Mergeart, Barford, Williams, Joly & Starkevich.
The financial statements offered no surprises. The taxes receivable were about the same as 2020, as were the loans receivable.
The statements did offer up a few surprises. Edson Mayor Kevin Zahara noted that the Town had a higher than projected operating surplus. He was curious to know where that extra money came from.
Barford said it came down to a number of factors. Firstly, it is how well the Town budgets and sticks to its budget. Secondly, it is the number of unexpected expenses that come up throughout the year. She summed up by saying that while it is good to have a surplus, you do not want it to be excessive.
Administration said they would have a breakdown of 2021’s unexpected expenditures in a coming meeting that would provide further answers.
Zahara also remarked that he was pleased to see the tax revenues slowly climbing, noting that some of the Town’s new programs are working.
Councillor Gene Chouinard was also impressed by the financial statements, saying that given the past few years, it would appear that Edson has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic fairly well.
Town council accepted the statements.
