Council approves 2023 interim budget

This morning Leduc County Council approved the 2023 interim municipal budget, which represents a three per cent tax increase over the 2022 final budget. The decision to approve the budget followed two and a half days of public deliberations.

The interim operating budget, which covers day-to-day municipal operating expenses, is set at $91.7 million, which includes $27.6 million in provincial requisitions collected on behalf of the Government of Alberta and the Leduc Regional Housing Foundation.

The interim capital budget, which includes infrastructure costs for buildings, roads, bridges and equipment, is $29.6 million.

"Leduc County's 2023 interim budget is focused on investment; we're making investments in projects, infrastructure and service enhancements to maximize our current opportunities and prepare for future growth. This is foundational to achieving our strategic goals by building deep community connections, fostering a robust economy and displaying strong leadership.

A three per cent tax increase coupled with growth sets the County, and all of its residents and businesses, up for success in the coming year."

- Mayor Tanni Doblanko

The interim budget outlines how municipal tax dollars will be used for 2023, and allows important projects to proceed or continue until the final budget is approved in the spring.

Council will approve the final budget and set tax rates in the spring. Once the tax rates are set, tax and assessment notices are mailed out to all ratepayers.

2023 interim budget highlights

• $19 million for road projects and maintenance
• $1.8 million for bridge projects
• $2.29 million in cost-share recreation support to five partner municipalities
• $303,000 for support to not-for-profit facilities and community recreation and cultural grants
• $150,000 for support to six libraries
• $15,000 in new grant funding for seniors program support
• $2 million in upgrades to utility infrastructure
• $801,000 for emergency services equipment and apparatus