By Sheldon Spackman

Keeping Spending In Check

Red Deer County passes budget amid provincial uncertainty

Dec 17, 2019 | 5:43 PM

Red Deer County council has unanimously approved the 2020-2022 Operating and 2020-2024 Capital Budgets that officials say plans for long-term growth while keeping spending in check.

“Red Deer County recognizes that the economy is still uncertain,” Mayor Jim Wood says in a release. “That said, we are committed to providing a high level of service and completing important projects that move our strategic plan ahead. We will not burden taxpayers, but we will also ensure our infrastructure is in excellent condition.”

The Operating Budget rises slightly over last year from $51.8 million to $54.4 million, while 2020 Capital spending also rises slightly from $28.7 million in 2019, to $32.3 million next year.

Officials say the County will continue to provide funding to key infrastructure upgrades – including over $5.3 million for a reservoir and water treatment facility in Springbrook.

Roads and bridges once again make up the bulk of capital spending with over $10 million planned.

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However, since council’s last meeting on Dec. 3, the provincial government has downloaded policing costs to rural and smaller municipalities, with a phased-in police costing model over the next five years.

As a result, County administration has included the additional requisition in its three-year Operating Budget for that purpose, as well as an added levy to collect the additional cost. It’s hoped the change will help address the increase in rural crime.

“There is no tax rate increase planned at this time for 2020, except for the Policing requisition,” says Heather Surkan, Director of Corporate Services. “In fact, we decreased the overall taxation by five per cent collected as a result of our expectations that assessments will go down. Depending on how much they go down, will initiate further discussions on how to balance the budget, if necessary.”

Surkan says the County would have two choices, to decrease spending (services to constituents), or to increase the tax rate to collect what they had budgeted for. She says the County will make those decisions after their assessment roll is completed at the end of February.

“Staff has worked hard to ensure our service levels remain high, and that the County is ready for future development,” adds Surkan. “We have worked closely with council to align the budget to strategic goals, while not creating undue hardship on taxpayers.”

Council priorities outlined in the budget include Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks, Junction 42 development, transportation network upgrades, a broadband strategy that contains fibre optic high speed internet, and recreation initiatives that encompass a master plan, partnerships and programming.

Key capital initiatives for 2020 include the Springbrook Water Treatment Facility and Reservoir for $5.3 million, Gasoline Alley roads at $2.9 million, Range Road 272 for $2.9 million, bridge projects for $2.1 million and a broadband internet prototype at $2.0 million.

Following a projected overall budget of $76.8 million in 2019, County officials currently forecast declining budgets of $86.7 million in 2020, $82.4 million in 2021, and $76.6 million in 2022.

In summary, officials say council’s Strategic Plan for the County continues to maintain current service levels, as well as preparing for future development, including further land development to diversify the County’s revenue base.

It’s also noted the budget draws significantly from reserves, which in the long-term is not sustainable, but a temporary measure within the intent of reserves.

Residents are encouraged to go to www.rdcounty.ca for more information.