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Innisfail council approves 2019 – 2021 budget

Dec 12, 2018 | 2:48 PM

Council for the Town of Innisfail has approved its operating and capital budgets for 2019 with residents expected to see a small tax increase next year.

With a focus on strategic vision, community building, service, a commitment to continuous improvement and operational efficiency, town officials describe the budget as ambitious, yet responsible.

The 2019 operating budget for Innisfail has been approved at $21,943,536, the capital budget at $5,814,021 and a $109,630 contingency in place.

Council also approved a tax increase that will be fully determined in March 2019 with proposed budgets for 2020 and 2021 also adopted.

Budget highlights include estimated tax assessments projecting minimal increases at 0.55% for residential and 0.37% for commercial, resulting in an estimated gain of $41,150.

Officials anticipate the mill rate to increase by at least 1%, however, total mill rate depends on assessment values.

In terms of utilities, water rates will increase from $2.25 per cubic metre to $2.30 per cubic metre, reflecting an increase of the same amount applied by the Mountain View Regional Water Commission. The water flat rate will remain unchanged at $10 per metered site.

The South Red Deer Regional Waste Water Commission have increased their costs, however, officials say the town Wastewater (sewer) rates will remain the same at $3.15 per cubic metre until a review of the rates in 2019. The wastewater flat rate will also remain the same at $10 per metered site.

In addition, solid waste (garbage) rates will remain the same at $18 per month and recycling at $5 per month. With the current service contract up for renewal in March 2019, tenders have been received and administration will bring forward the discussion of solid waste to council in 2019. 

Town officials say deliberations for the 2019 budget also generated conversations around wages and staffing levels with the need for additional staff in a number of areas. As a result, the budget has incorporated a cost of living increase of 2% for staff; a level of merit increase is also obtainable during performance reviews.

Elsewhere, council approved two new full-time positions including an RCMP municipal clerk and administrative assistant. According to town officials, the support of these positions will help alleviate workloads through the day-to-day administration, meaning less time in the office and more “boots on the ground” for the RCMP, and more time for Town staff to address community projects, improvements, and its members. The budget also supports an increase of three summer staff.

A number of capital improvement and enhancement initiatives are also planned for 2019. Town officials say some of the larger capital projects happening next year include 45 Avenue Reconstruction, Lakewood Drive Overlay, Skate Park, Trail Replacement, Phase 2 of the Wayfinding Signage Project, Aquatics Washroom Installation, the acquisition of a new street sweeper, and a number of upgrades to the Aquatic Centre, Arena, and the Curling Rink.

(With files from the Town of Innisfail)