Innisfail’s 2020 budget comes with no tax increase

Dec 12, 2019 | 10:51 AM

Innisfail’s newly approved budget 2020 holds the line on property taxes.

Council passed the operating budget of $21,994,784, capital budget of $4,559,494, and a contingency of $88,240 without an increase in the property tax rate.

There will be an increase to water and wastewater rates in order to cover delivery costs and build reserves, the town says in a release. Water rates will increase from $2.30 per cubic metre to $2.50. Wastewater (sewer) rates will increase from $3.15 per cubic metre to $3.20.

Town officials say that for the most part citizens will see little to no change on their bills once the final property tax rates are set this spring following provincial school requisitions and the next provincial budget.

“Given the tough economic circumstances, this truly is a good news budget,” says Mayor Jim Romaine. “We’ve all heard of cutbacks and tough economic times, and Innisfail is not immune to such external influences. But make no mistake, the Town of Innisfail is not standing still. In fact, quite the opposite.”

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Key capital projects slated for completion in 2020 include surface improvements to 61 Avenue, repairs to 53 Avenue Close and 38 Street, trail replacement at 52 Avenue, purchase of a new gravel truck, gateway landscaping improvements, upgrades to the Innisfail Arena, and improvements to the Innisfail Aquatic Centre.

“We’ve managed to lay out a busy and productive year — and in the absence of raising taxes,” Romaine adds. “We’ve been able to achieve this thanks to some solid fiscal management by the Town in recent years, and some savvy — and at times very difficult decision making — in the process. Innisfail, as a result of this budget, remains well positioned to achieve the prosperity outlined by council’s strategic plan, and we look forward to yet another strong and successful year.”

(With file from Town of Innisfail media release)

by rdnewsNOW staff

Innisfail’s 2020 budget comes with no tax increase

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