Ponoka sets budget with projected property tax increase

The municipal portion of property taxes for 2023 is projected to equate to a monthly increase of about $2.68 per $100,000 of residential property value assessment, and $3.49 per $100,000 of commercial property value assessment. That is equivalent to a four per cent municipal property tax increase, which helps to offset inflationary costs and ensure the continued reliable delivery of key services is supported.

“During two full days of budget deliberations, council and administration worked to find efficiencies and arrive at a fiscally responsible budget,” says Sandra Lund, CAO. “The 2023 Budget once again balances and delivers on key priorities in the Town’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan by carefully managing spending while continuing to fund essential services that our citizens rely on. It also invests in key infrastructure that positions our community to grow and thrive into the future.”

The Town also notes that the majority of capital and infrastructure projects in the budget is funded through annual provincial and federal grant funding, which has been reduced by about $1 million this year.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ponoka’s Annual Pavement and Concrete Improvement Program – This includes annual maintenance and improvement of Town roadways and sidewalks throughout the community;

• New Dog Park – Once a second round of public consultation is completed this fall on the design of the new dog park, construction of the new park is planned for 2023 on the east side of 49 Street on land acquired by the Town across from the Town of Ponoka Operations Centre;

• Ponoka Aquaplex Improvements – Will include exterior improvements and renovations to the washrooms and multi-purpose room to optimize the functionality of the building for visitors and facility users;

• Wayfinding Signage – The Town’s new wayfinding signage program that launched in 2022 will be expanded to include more signage in the downtown area, industrial park and highway corridors;

• Lions Centennial Park Upgrades – Will include a new t-shaped dock for the fishing pond which is accessible to people with mobility challenges; and park design improvements that will be guided by public consultation in 2023. Construction will occur in the future based on design and funding approval by Town Council;

• Waterworks and Electrical System Improvements – Including ongoing equipment rehabilitation at Town pump stations and reservoirs, ongoing replacement of electrical meters to ensure optimum accuracy and operation in compliance with federal regulations; and planning and analysis for future improvements to the Town’s Wastewater Treatment System; and

• Completion of 51 Avenue Redevelopment – Between 50 and 51 Street, including redevelopment and design improvements to the municipal parking lot on the south side of 51 Avenue; a second layer of asphalt paving and line marking; installation of permanent sidewalks, landscaping, benches and garbage receptacles.

Top priorities identified by citizens in a recent Citizen Satisfaction Survey and Citizen Input Survey include:

• Quality of Life (a safe, healthy and thriving community);
• Policing and crime prevention;
• Parks, recreation and culture, which includes improvements to recreation facilities, parks and trails in the Town of Ponoka;
• Growth and economic health, which includes attracting more businesses; and
• Improvements to roads and streets

“Citizen input is a critical part of the budget planning process,” said Mayor Kevin Ferguson. “I think this interim budget does a very good job of balancing the needs of our community while positioning Ponoka for continued growth and success.”

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Ponoka sets budget with projected property tax increase

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