Council set to begin budget deliberations

Strathcona County Council, beginning next week, will review budget recommendations for municipal operating and capital budgets. Budget 2019-2022 continues the County’s focus on advancing community priorities, as set forth by the recently revised strategic plan.

New this year, capital and operating budget requests will be presented as either improvement or strategic initiatives. Improvement initiatives represent new resources required to improve on current programs and services, while strategic initiatives represent the resources required to develop or implement new service opportunities. This budget also presents the organization’s first rolling four-year operating and five-year capital budgets, as per the new requirements of the Municipal Government Act.

Members of the public are invited to attend the business plan and budget meetings, where Council will discuss and provide direction on the recommended budget. Meetings are scheduled, starting at 9 a.m. and will be conducted in sections to enhance understanding of the components that contribute to the total budget.

Base budget – operating and capital resources required to maintain current programs and services

• October 29, 31 and November 2

Capital budget

• November 5, 9 and 16

Operating initiatives

• November 26 and 29

Aggregate view – recommended total budget

• December 4 and 6

Council is expected to approve Budget 2019 early in December.

All business plan and budget meetings are held in Council Chambers in the Community Centre, 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park. Meetings will be webcast live, or citizens can watch the recorded webcasts.

Budget 2019 represents the first year of a multi-year planning and execution approach, resulting in a more robust business case process and increased rigour around resource planning. This approach, along with continued prudent spending and a focus on ever-greater efficiency, has enabled the organization to build on its strengths, and to maintain that position going forward.

The recommended 2019-2022 budget will be available online, as of October 29.

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of refining in Western Canada. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595