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By rdnewsNOW staff

Operating Budget/Capital Plan

Red Deer County approves 3.5% tax rate increase in 2025 budget

Nov 26, 2024 | 5:06 PM

Red Deer County council approved its 2025 budget on Tuesday which includes a 3.5 per cent tax rate increase.

It also consists of a 2025-2027 Operating Budget ($179,439,975) and the 2025-2029 Capital Plan ($111,730,065).

“This budget shows us a path to fiscal sustainability, it is responsive and adjusts for inflationary pressures” said Mayor Jim Wood in a media release.

“Staff have worked diligently to provide a detailed analysis, this is a substantial budget with some key infrastructure investments being fully funded from other government agencies; central Alberta will continue to see huge economic growth through these initiatives.”

Some of the key initiatives and infrastructure investments for the upcoming year includes:

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• Airport Drive | Phase 3 & 4 $8.1 million
• Programs: Bridge ($7.9 million), Paving ($5.6 million), Chipseal ($1.5 million), Re-gravel ($5.0 million)
• Transit Buses $4.0 million (75 per cent Grant Funded)
• Junction 42 Rest Area Expansion $3.8 million
• Junction Drive & Highway 42 Roundabout $5.6 million
• TR354 (Little Red Deer Road phased work) $3.7 million
• Leva & Laura Avenue Roundabout Improvements $2.0 million
• Fire Apparatus/Protective Services Vehicle Replacements $1.8 million
• Big Bend Airport Runway Improvements $1.7 million
• Red Deer Regional Airport (Capital Contribution) $1.2 million
• Financial System Upgrade (phased work) $1 million

“In 2025, operating expenses have been limited to 2.14 percent, which is less than the rate of inflation, this budget includes two service level enhancements, citizens can look forward to transit (bus) service to Gasoline Alley East, and the establishment of a Community Resiliency Navigator,” said Dave Dittrick, Assistant CAO and Corporate Services Director.

“The County is in good position to have an operating surplus which can fully fund its Capital Program by 2028.”

The capital spending will increase in 2025 from the $45.7 million last year to $53.4 million. However, the operating budget will see a decrease from $66.5 million to $64.6 million.

The operating budget will be at $64.6 million in 2025 followed by $57.7 million in 2026, and $57.2 in 2027. The capital budget is slated to be at $53.4 in 2025 followed by $28 million in 2026, and $30.2 in 2027.

The total budget for 2025 is $118,030,699, $85,717,078 in 2026, and $87,422,263 in 2027.