The City of Morden has announced its presentation of the 2019 financial plan has been postponed.

The plan and public meeting were originally scheduled for December 17, however, with a new council and new staff that date wasn't feasible says Morden Mayor Brandon Burley.

"For 2019 we don't have our budget done yet, we're still working on that. On Monday we will be approving an interim operating budget, we're still trying to get our 2017 financials done and audited and away, then we can focus on the budget."

With the turnover of personnel, Burley says there haven't been enough hands on deck in the office to get the job done.

Burley says a city's financial audit is no small task as every penny needs to be found and accounted for.

"They're also learning new software at the same time, so we're trying to merge two systems, one being the old simpler way of doing things, and a new piece of software that will allow the city grow a little more elegantly."

All these factors have formed a perfect storm. Burley says, adding there have been a lot of hours spent getting up to speed on projects like the wastewater treatment plant.

New City Manager Faisal Anwar started December 10, taking over from John Scarce who gave his resignation this summer.

Anwar holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Arts, Economics, Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Applied Environmental Studies with five years of international business experience, and ten years experience in Planning and Economic Development in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, and Selkirk, Manitoba.

Burley notes this situation has been a bit of a challenge but also an opportunity to become more streamlined and more efficient in operations.