December 18, 2009
(Lacombe, Alberta) – Following the priorities set out in the County’s 2010 – 2012 Strategic Plan and the long-range capital plans, Council approved Lacombe County’s 2010 operating and capital budgets on December 17. Responding to the economic downturn, Council and Administration worked to prepare a budget that represents a 10 per cent decrease in spending as compared to the 2009 budget.
The 2010 budgets reflect reductions in a number of the operating contingencies provided in previous years’ budgets, a significant decrease in the capital budget, particularly as it relates to the purchase of new equipment, a decrease in the road paving program relative to 2009 and an approximately $650,000 reduction in the fuel budget.
“Maintaining a near consistent tax rate continues to be a priority for Lacombe County,” explained Terry Engen, Lacombe County Reeve. “The significant cut backs in our 2010 budget have allowed us to maintain the same municipal tax rates for residential and farm properties as we had in 2009.”
Council did approve a 1.167% increase to the non-residential tax rate to help balance the $1.1 million decrease in property taxes primarily resulting from the depreciation of non-residential properties.
Following a review of the salary grids and benefit plans for 2010, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Alberta and Canada, as well as a survey on what neighboring municipalities have approved for a cost of living increase, Council adopted the 2010 Salary and Wage schedule with no increase or adjustment from 2009.
“We are fortunate to be part of an organization that has not had to cut wages and continues to offer a very attractive benefit package, as well as job security,” said Lacombe County Commissioner Terry Hager. “In making this decision, Council recognized that staff are essential to the success of Lacombe County and wish to offer a competitive compensation package.”
One significant area of investment for the County in 2010 relates to capital recreation projects. Council approved funding for a pedestrian bridge over the Blindman River, as well as a paved walking trail extending from Blackfalds to the bridge. Council voted in favor of providing $300,000 of in-kind work to the Lacombe Field House, as well as an additional $100,000 in direct funding toward this project. In addition, Council approved $100,000 in supplemental operational funding for the public libraries located in the Towns and Villages in the County and the Mirror Book Exchange.
A comparison of other municipal districts and Counties in Alberta demonstrated that Lacombe County’s 2009 municipal tax rate was far below the overall average. In comparison to the Towns and Villages located within the County, Lacombe County’s 2010 tax rate was also significantly lower.
2010 Budget Highlights:
- Lacombe County’s 2010 operating budget is $36,699,752, representing a decrease of $3,978,144 (9.78 per cent) from 2009
- Lacombe County’s 2010 capital budget is $2,805,590, representing a decrease of $1,738,098 from 2009
- Five major paving projects were approved for a total cost of $7,459,100: Haynes Road, Alix North, C&E Trail, Hamlet of Tees, subdivisions and chip seal on various roads
- $142,390 in funding to a number of regional water and wastewater commissions including the North Red Deer River, Highway 12/21, Shirley McClelland, Sylvan Lake Stewardship Society and Sylvan Lake Regional Wastewater
- A shared maintenance / custodial position was approved for the administration office and the Public Works shop
- A significant decrease in expected Provincial grant funding
- A nine per cent increase in Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance rates, as well as a five per rate increase in the cost of group benefits
- A $300,000 decrease in the community aggregate levy for sand and gravel, as compared to 2009
- A decrease in interest generated income as compared to 2009 due to projected low interest rates
- $100,000 for the third and final commitment to the Red Deer College “Building Communities Through Learning” campaign
- A $69,880 contribution to the Lacombe Regional Fire Service
- Contributions to a number of fire protection capital purchases, including a pumper for Alix, a tanker for Eckville, upgrades to the Alix Fire Hall, and new communications equipment
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For more information contact:
Terry Hager Terry Engen
County Commissioner Reeve
Lacombe County Lacombe County
(403) 782-6601 (403) 782-6601