Leduc County council approves 2020 budget, sets tax rates

Leduc County council approved the final 2020 budget and set the 2020 tax rates at its regular council meeting yesterday afternoon.

Council approved an $84.9 million operating budget, which covers day-to-day municipal operating expenses and includes $25.6 million collected on behalf of the Government of Alberta and the Leduc Regional Housing Foundation for school, designated industrial property and seniors' requisitions. They also approved a $17.0 million capital budget, which includes infrastructure costs for buildings, roads, bridges, and equipment. This results in a four per cent tax budget decrease over 2019.

The 2020 budget demonstrates our commitment to supporting our residents and businesses. This four per cent tax budget decrease and the extension of the tax payment deadline are two ways we can help with the current economic challenges that many are facing. 

Mayor Tanni Doblanko

2020 capital budget highlights

• $10.9 million for the annual road-surfacing program; this includes $1 million for the Rural Road Initiatives program
• $1.5 million for capital equipment and vehicle purchases
• $1.3 million for bridge rehabilitation

2020 operating budget highlights

• $2.1 million for parks and recreation, including a $500,000 contribution to the Beaumont Sport and Recreation Centre expansion and $1.6 million in additional recreation cost-sharing with regional partners
• $5.5 million for road maintenance projects, which includes $3.0 million for the annual gravelling program

2020 tax rates

The four per cent tax budget decrease results in a tax reduction for most land owners. Approximately 89 per cent of Leduc County property owners can expect a property tax decrease, while six per cent will see no change. Five per cent of property owners will see an increase over 2019 due to an assessment value increase.

Property taxes are made up of municipal taxes, external requisitions, local improvement tax and the provincial education tax. Leduc County is obligated to collect the provincial education tax, as set by the Government of Alberta, as part of its property taxes. 

Property tax notices will be mailed to residents on June 18. Taxes are due by Sept. 30, 2020.

Learn more about property taxes in Leduc County

Related:

• Leduc County council approves 2020 interim budget (Dec. 4, 2019)