UNFORTUNATELY, there is never enough money to go around.
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When Bathurst Regional Council meets on Wednesday night, one of the key items of business will be rubber-stamping the 2018-19 budget.
The draft operational plan went on public display in May and since then community groups and individuals have had the chance to lodge submissions.
Naturally, many of those submissions sought amendments to the draft budget to provide increased funding for a range of local projects.
Also naturally enough, most were unsuccessful with the Bathurst Edgell Jog committee the most notable exception.
Councillors on Wednesday night are expected to approve an amendment to the draft budget that will see annual support for the jog more than doubled from the current $6000 a year to $13,000 a year for the next three years.
The size of that donation recognises the special place the jog has in this community, but also the harsh reality of how much it cost to put on such an event.
The bulk of the council grant will go towards paying a hefty traffic management bill to ensure competitors and other road users remain safe throughout the event.
It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential, and few would argue against the money being allocated.
The increased size of the donation to the Edgell Jog, however, will mean there is not much left in the kitty for other requests throughout the year.
The draft budget included a sundry amount of $20,000 in the Section 356 fund and if the extra $7000 for the jog grant is approved, as expected, that fund will start the new financial year with just $13,000.
That’s the primary reason organisations such as the Rebellion on the Turon and Bathurst District Sport & Recreation Council were unsuccessful in their requests for funding increases in 2018-19.
No doubt council – and councillors – would be happy to play Santa Claus and grant everyone their funding wish, but that’s simply not possible.
And sometimes it should simply come down to a question of numbers – ensuring the money is spent on the event that will benefit the most.
On that count, it’s hard to criticise whatever money dedicates to the Edgell Jog.
And as for the other groups? Well, there’s always next year.