By rdnewsNOW staff

Red Deer County council approves 2019 – 2021 budget

Dec 4, 2018 | 12:40 PM

Red Deer County council has unanimously approved the 2019 – 2021 operating and 2019-2023 capital budgets.

During its regular meeting December 4, council passed the budgets which also took into account any public feedback submitted.

Mayor Jim Wood remarked in a news release, “Red Deer County is aware of the economic climate right now in this province. We are ensuring the long-term financial stability of the County, while remaining optimistic in our economic progress.”

County officials say the Operating budget for 2019 rises slightly from $46.9 million to $51.2 million, while Capital spending drops significantly from $30.6 million last year to $24.5 million next year.

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“The budget maintains and in some cases enhances current service levels as well as prepares the County for future development,” adds Heather Surkan, Director of Corporate Services for Red Deer County. “This aligns closely with our corporate strategic goals. A major component of the budget is maintaining our current infrastructure to the high standards we have come to expect.”

Officials say the County continues to dedicate significant funding to infrastructure upgrades – with bridges averaging $3.9 million over the next five years and over $15 million annually dedicated to road work.

Other key initiatives highlighted for 2019 and beyond include $4.6 million for Township Road 370, $3.4 million for Range Road 272, $2.6 million for Lake Street urbanization and $1.7 million for utilities at Junction 42.

Over the next three years, the Capital budget is pegged at $24.4 million in 2019, $24.1 million in 2020 and $21.3 million in 2021.

The Operating budget is forecast to be $51.1 million in 2019, $50.5 million in 2020 and $50.4 million in 2021.

Residents are encouraged to go to www.rdcounty.ca for more information.