By Troy Gillard

eye on the future

Innisfail council approves “fiscally responsible” budget

Dec 15, 2020 | 1:28 PM

Innisfail town council has approved the Town’s 2021 operating and capital budgets that include no tax increase and maintains service levels.

Town officials say the 2021 budget reflects a two per cent decrease in revenues that was offset by a four per cent decrease in Town expenses achieved through a collaborative effort by all departments.

Council passed the operating budget of $21.7 million, capital budget of $4.7 million, and a contingency of $61,730. An increase to water and wastewater rates was included to cover delivery costs and build reserves for future infrastructure.

Tax assessments are not determined until the spring, and mill rates will be set in March. These together will determine individual tax amounts for town properties.

Town officials say administration took into account the confounding effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and low worldwide energy prices in order to “ensure the protection of core services with a desire to achieve pre-pandemic service levels.”

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Reserves have been established to prepare for the costs associated with future projects relating to Town facilities. This year’s budget will supplement the facility reserve through a slight increase in franchise fees and by reallocating funds to this reserve.

“Despite the challenges faced in 2020, the Town’s financial condition remains strong and risk averse and the municipality is in the enviable position of being able to offer consistent and stable taxes, maintain a healthy level of reserves, and carry relatively no financial debt,” the Town says in a release.

Water rates will increase this year from $2.50 per cubic metre to $2.60 per cubic metre. This includes is a $.05 increase in the rate charged to the Town by the Mountain View Regional Water Commission. The new budget sees the monthly water flat rate remain at $10.00 per metered site.

Wastewater (sewer) rates will increase from $3.20 per cubic metre to $3.45 per cubic metre. This $.25 increase reflects a $.05 increase in rates charged by the South Red Deer Regional Wastewater Commission. The monthly wastewater flat rate will also remain the same as last year at $10.00 per metered site.

Household solid waste basic rates will increase from $23.00 to $25.00 per month per site with the long-term goals of providing expanded household solid-waste service and reducing the remaining balance owing from the service expansion that took place in 2019.

This year’s budget will see the implementation of a new storm water flat charge of $3.00 for residential and $6.00 for non-residential Town utility customers. Tow officials say the intent of this program is to establish a dedicated reserve to fund the replacement of aging storm water infrastructure.

Capital projects identified in the 2021 budget include:

• CP Rail Pedestrian Crossing

• CP Rail Whistle Cessation

• 53 Avenue Infrastructure Repairs

• 46 Avenue Infrastructure Repairs

• 2021 Surface Improvements

• 2021 Mill & Overlay

• Water Fill Station

• Playground Improvement: “Mac’s Park” Collaborative Project

• Gateway Landscaping Phase 2

• Ball Diamond #7 Enhancement

“This past year, we faced many challenges. Most obviously, the COVID-19 pandemic has tested us as a community both mentally and financially. Through it, we have been there to support each other and this budget reflects that spirit of working together,” said Mayor Jim Romane.

“We understand what a difficult year this has been for our residents and businesses, so the Town worked to cut spending while ensuring it continues to provide the services the community expects and deserves. Despite these trying times, our community remains robust and we continue to work towards a prosperous post-pandemic future.”