City of Red Deer releases 2027 operating budget for public review

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Council is set to deliberate the budget during the week of Nov. 23-27, where they will consider four options with municipal tax increases ranging from 6.19 per cent to 10.48 per cent.

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The city explained each option represents different service, staffing and infrastructure funding levels.

Administration is recommending the option with a 7.5 per cent property tax increase.

This option, they said, prioritizes maintaining existing services, addressing rising costs and strengthening the city’s ability to manage services and infrastructure over time.

The recommended property tax increase would result in an increase of $4.41 per month for every $100,000 of residential assessed value.

A 7.5 per cent municipal property tax increase would result in an increase of $4.41 per month for every $100,000 of residential assessed value. The increase includes support for capital needs; it is not added on top of a separate capital tax increase.

“Cost-of-living pressures are an important consideration, but delaying necessary infrastructure work can increase future costs and the risk of service disruptions. The recommended budget strengthens funding to help address those needs,” said Tara Lodewyk, City Manager, in a media release.

Per the City of Red Deer, some of the recommended investments to keep services running and look after City infrastructure include:

• Replacing transit buses: $2.5 million in annual funding and a $3.5 million one-time contribution to help fund bus replacements and keep transit running.
• Cleaning storm ponds: $350,000 in one-time funding to remove accumulated sediment, restore space for stormwater and address odours.
• Maintaining parks and public spaces: $220,000 annually to support care of amenities associated with Michener North, Green Spine Phase 2 and Centennial Plaza Park.
• Replacing City vehicles and equipment: Approximately $1.46 million in additional annual funding to keep pace with growing needs and replace aging equipment. 
• Planning for future repairs and replacements: Approximately $6.7 million in additional annual funding for the Capital Projects Reserve, which helps pay for City infrastructure and repay borrowing for capital projects.