Proposed budget maintains services and adds new amenities

On November 15, Strathcona County Administration presented Council with a proposed 2024-26 budget which includes a 4.69 per cent property tax increase for 2024 to maintain high service levels and add in new amenities such as the Pointe, a new fire hall and additional emergency services staff to meet the community’s needs.

“Inflation continues to have a significant impact on our budget. Year-over-year increases have almost doubled the cost to support and maintain our assets,” said Jennifer Cannon, Chief Financial Officer for Strathcona County.

“While Strathcona County has a strong financial foundation, it’s important for the County to plan and be proactive so we can be ready for future challenges. Our focus is on minimizing tax rate increases, while maintaining high service levels, adding newly needed amenities and fostering long-term financial stability,” said Cannon.

The impact of a 2024 4.69 per cent tax revenue increase to sample residence assessed at $448K is $92/year or $8/month. For businesses, the impact of a 4.69 per cent tax revenue increase to sample commercial property assessed at $1.8M is $862/year or $72/month. Even with this year’s moderate increase, Strathcona County tax rates will remain the lowest in the region.

Following Council’s budget meeting deliberations, a final 2024-26 multi-year budget will be approved. The final tax rate will be approved in the spring of 2024.

Budget meetings are webcast so that residents can hear the budget discussions and final decisions. The public can watch the sessions live or recorded at strathcona.ca/webcasts.

Budget documents are posted to the County’s website at strathcona.ca/budget and residents and businesses are invited to share their views at a public hearing on November 22 at 5 p.m.

To register to speak at the public hearing, either in-person or online via ZOOM, email LegislativeOfficer@strathcona.ca or call 780-464-8014 by November 17 at 12 noon. Written submissions are also accepted up to this time. A resident may also add their name to the speaker's list at the public hearing if they are attending in person.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595