Driven by growth, the Town of Cochrane continues to rack up large surpluses and 2017 was no different.

On Apr. 23, a $584,525 surplus was announced at the town council meeting and the audited financial statements and finding were presented.

Between permit revenue and savings realized in contract services by the planning department, there was an extra $682,000 to work with. Franchise fee revenue collected from power and gas suppliers (that is charged back to customers) was also $197,000 higher than expected and property assessment revenues were $145,000 more than anticipated.

The police wrote $300,000 less in traffic tickets than budgeted, but the police expenditures were only $198,000 over budget because of unfilled positions within the local RCMP detachment.

The Big Hill Leisure Pool operated one month longer than budgeted and cost the town an extra $65,000. The new Spray Lake pool and curling expansion also cost the town $245,000 more than budgeted due to additional operating grants.

The executive leadership team was $67,000 over budget due to the transition to the new chief administrative officer. In contrast, council was $51,000 under budget due to a change in a benefits provider and low expenses and meeting expenses (3/4 of the year was based upon the previous council).

Council also received a report on its 2017 audited statements from Shaun Pilling, of MNP LLP.

The only item of note centres on the ownership of the SLS rec centre expansion. While it does appear to indicate the town has 100 per cent ownership they recommend it be more clearly defined. The balance of the centre is jointly owned by the town and Rocky View County.

The report everyone's been waiting for

Final costs of the aquatic and curling multisport centre won't be known for several months. Until the warranty period expires accurate numbers are unavailable.

Administration says a full report will be provided to council in the 2018 third-quarter financial report.