Surpluses are in the forecast for the city of Portage la Prairie. Finance Chair Brent Budz presented the third quarter forecast at this week's meeting, outlining a forecasted surpluses of $138,513 in the general operating fund, and $341,591 in the utility fund.

"We had good surpluses in the general and utility. We've seen good returns on water sales over nine months. Here are are in December, so we're almost at the point where we can forecast what the end of the year's going to look at. We have surpluses on both sides, so we're happy with that."

Budz notes they've already made some decisions when it comes to the general operating surplus. They've decided to take $10,000 out of the surplus, to help cover the cost of Lean Six Sigma services. When council initially decided to move forward with the program, they allocated $20,000 for the work. However, upon reviewing the tender bids, they realized more funding would be necessary. The lowed bid to come in was $24,700, while the highest was $148,000.

An additional $3980, plus tax, will also be taken from the surplus to recognize the accomplishments of the Portage Terriers this year. That funding will be used to purchase two signs, which will be connected to the 'Explore Portage la Prairie' signs at the east and west entrances to the city. Budz says they're pleased to allocate funding to that, noting the great accomplishments of the Terriers this past year.

"It's an enormous accomplishment by a local sports organization that's been here for many, many years. Portage has seen great players come from here, and the economic impact of having the Terrier organization in the community is huge. It's just our way of saying thank you to the Terriers, and acknowledging the tremendous effort put in over the last year."