Council approves 2024 budget

Budget maintains services; supports growth and success

On December 4, 2023, Strathcona County Council approved a 5.87 per cent tax revenue requirement for the 2024 budget, including a 2 per cent recreation levy. The average tax increase for a property valued at $448K in 2024 will be approximately $117 annually, or $9.75 per month.

The 2024 budget maintains excellent service levels and programming, supports the County’s investments in our current facilities as they age and supports the development of major projects that are priority for our community.  

“Throughout our deliberations, Council has been mindful of the financial pressures felt by our residents as a result of high inflation and interest rates,” said Mayor Frank. “Working with County Administration, we managed to reduce the tax burden by almost one per cent while improving our already excellent services and investing in our long-term financial health, all while keeping our municipal taxes the lowest in the Edmonton Metro Region.”

The 2024 operating budget increases by 0.79 per cent to $441 million which will:

• Maintain existing services
• Advance emergency services through the addition of another squad truck, and hiring new firefighters and peace officers
• Increase funding for the Seniors Homeowner Tax Program
• Create an RCMP Fraud Unit
• Invest in an agriculture initiative

“This budget enables Strathcona County to achieve fiscal stability and prepare for its future challenges and opportunities,” says Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Cannon. “We have balanced the needs of growth and existing infrastructure in a high-inflation environment that demands a proactive response. We remain committed to investing in our community’s development, well-being and quality of life.”

For the first time, Council approved a three-year capital budget totalling $112 million, an increase of 3.08 percent, in 2024. Projects include:

• A new fieldhouse to be designed in 2025 and begin construction in 2026
• A new fire station and required vehicles and equipment, set to open in 2027/2028
• Upgrades to Bethel Transit Station
• A redesign of the Sherwood Drive roundabout
• 17 Street reservoir solar project
• The creation of accessible parking spaces at outdoor amenities
• Maintenance and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure

The included two per cent recreation levy will support the design and construction of the fieldhouse while reducing the amount of municipal debt the County accumulates which could negatively impact programs and services in the future.

“We heard from residents about the need for an indoor fieldhouse,” adds Mayor Frank. “By creating savings and incorporating the recreation levy in the budget, we can begin fieldhouse design and construction two years sooner than planned.”

The levy will also support future needs for facility maintenance as they age, support recreation and culture programs and activities, and contribute to the County’s economy, tourism and overall health and well-being.

Utility fees for water, wastewater, stormwater management, and solid waste collection will increase by 4.81 per cent; an additional $6.17 per month or $74.04 per year for the average urban residential utility customer in 2024. 

The final municipal tax rate will be approved in spring of 2024.

More information on the 2024 budget is found at strathcona.ca/budget. 

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595
strathcona.ca