Rocky View County ratepayers shouldn’t see more than a three per cent increase in taxes for the 2013 year.
“This gives us a base to work on,” said Reeve Rolly Ashdown.
He said while the tax rate won’t be set until April, based on the information they received in the draft budget presented Dec. 11, council isn’t expecting an increase any higher than three per cent.
Kent Robinson, corporate services general manager for the County, presented the base budget to council Dec. 11.
He said the increase in taxes would be needed to cover inflationary costs.
A budgeted $33 million has been set aside for capital expenses, which is down from $64 million in 2012. The difference is largely due to the Conrich water supply project, a $25.2 million project started this year.
A substantial portion of it has been completed, making this year’s capital costs lower.
As for its operational budget, Rocky View is projecting it will need $132 million for expenses. That number is down $2 million from last year’s budget of $134 million.
Capital projects outlined in the draft budget for 2013 include the Elkana Water System Assessment and Rehabilitation Project; an addition to the Langdon Firehall; the construction of the Bearspaw Fire Station and purchase of related vehicles and equipment; and the Rocky View County Campus Infrastructure and Operations facilities.
Also budgeted is the completion of six projects already underway and constructed of eight roads.
The base budget is the second of five steps as part of the county’s approval process. The next step is to review and prioritize current and future unfunded capital and operating costs.
The draft budget now shows a $1.8-million surplus. Determining where the surplus will go is the third step.
After that, a budget package will be prepared for the public to review.
“In the past, we have been criticized for not including enough information for people to comment on,” noted Robinson.
He said plans for this package are to include council’s strategic plan with the budget so people can see exactly where the money will go.
The eight roads included in the capital budget are:
• Township Road 282
• Township Road 264
• Township Road 244
• Peigan Trail
• Horse Creek Road
• Range Road 292
• Range Road 284
• Range Road 283
The draft capital budget includes plans to complete the following projects:
• East Balzac water infrastructure project
• Balzac fire headquarters
• Bragg Creek wastewater treatment system
• Pinebrook lift station bypass
• Bragg Creek water treatment plant and distribution main
• Conrich water strategy.
