By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

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Red Deer County approves budgets, 3.5 per cent tax increase

Nov 30, 2023 | 3:30 PM

Capital (2024-2028) and operating (2024-2026) budgets for Red Deer County have been approved.

They include a 3.5 per cent property tax increase.

“Reflected in this budget is the dedication of staff and all the countless hours spent compiling a detailed analysis of County’s work, this budget is accurate, transparent with initiatives based primarily from Council’s strategic priorities,” said Mayor Jim Wood. “The budget continues to be responsive and shows us the realities of inflation.”

The County has noted that it continues to receive less provincial MSI funding, and is seeing declining revenues from oil and gas properties.

“Due to revenue losses incurred over the past 10 years, we’ve relied on reserves to balance our budgets,” says Dave Dittrick, Assistant County Manager and Corporate Services Director.

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Key Initiatives for 2024 include:

• Airport Drive Extension $11.3M
• Paving Program $9.16M
• Internet Broadband Infrastructure $8.6M
• Bridge Program $3.0M
• Leva & Laura Avenue Roundabout Expansion $2.1M
• Fire Apparatus/ Protective Services Vehicle Replacement $1.2M
• Springbrook Main Lift Station Replacement $0.9M

Capital spending in 2024 will increase from last year’s $43.14 million to $45.77 million. The operating budget will also see an increase from $59.4 million to $66.5 million.

Administration also noted an increase in extra policing costs and a reduction of grant funding from the Government of Alberta.

“With assessment numbers projected to increase next year, final assessment numbers will not be fully realized until spring of next year, and council will have the opportunity to make amendment to the proposed tax rate if necessary,” a release states.

Members of the public can view the budget highlights online at www.rdcounty.ca/Budget.

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