By rdnewsNOW staff

CFIB encouraging Alberta cities to curb spending

Dec 24, 2018 | 8:38 AM

Red Deer has not ranked-out so well in terms of its municipal spending according a new report released by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

On Monday, the organization released its ninth edition of the Alberta Municipal Spending Watch Report which reveals that between 2006 and 2016, inflation-adjusted municipal spending in the province increased 62 per cent– two and a half times faster than Alberta’s population growth of 24 per cent over that period.

The report examines 182 municipalities in Alberta, with a focus on the province’s most populated cities.

Out of Alberta’s 18 cities, only three ranked in the top 20 overall according to CFIB officials, with 1 being the best and 182 being the worst.

Red Deer ranked 128 on the list, with nearby Lacombe checking in at 119.

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“Excessive municipal spending leads to increases in property taxes which has been a major pinch point for small business owners who have struggled through a difficult year,” says Amber Ruddy, Director of Alberta, in a press release. “Current municipal spending patterns are unsustainable, and may have huge implications on the profitability of small business owners in this jittery economy.”

To bring municipal spending back to sustainable levels, CFIB officials say their report includes recommendations such as limiting spending to no more than inflation and population growth, implementing sustainable wage and benefit policies, and contracting out services to the private sector where appropriate to ensure fiscal restraint.

Click here to view the full report.

(With files from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business)