Airdrie city council finished budget deliberations today agreeing to the recommendation presented by the Council Budget Committee. The next step is to vote on the recommendation at the December 5 council meeting.

The recommendation included:

  • The approval of the 2023 Operating Budget of $186,633,300.
  • The approval of the 2023 Capital Budget of $67,798,340.
  • A 4.97 per cent municipal tax increase for municipal services (goes towards Community growth & protective services, Administration, Community infrastructure, Community services and council).
  • A one per cent municipal tax increase for capital contributions as per the fiscal framework.
  • Accept the 2024-2025 operating plans and 2024-2032 capital plans for information.

Council voted 5-2 to approve the recommendation, and Mayor Peter Brown and Deputy Mayor Heather Spearman voted against the motion.

Earlier in the day before the approval of the recommendation, various topics were discussed including the design for the expansion of the snow storage facility and the rehabilitation of playgrounds. A decision was also made on the artificial turf field, making it a top priority and leaving items like the pathways and parking lot for the northeast regional park in the budget.

Deputy Mayor Heather Spearman and Councillor Candice Kolson made it clear that they felt the turf field project is more pertinent for Airdrie residents than the start-up of the pathways and parking lot for the new regional park.

Councillor Al Jones had one concern if they were to postpone the start of the construction for the regional park he feared inflation would have an impact and make the project cost more down the line.

After the discussion, council agreed to leave the regional park in the budget.

In 2023, major capital spending is proposed to include:

  • Design for the expansion of the snow storage facility.
  • Land acquisition for a waste & recycling facility.
  • Public works yard redevelopment.
  • Chinook Winds site development.
  • Sewer collection system rehabilitation.
  • A number of roadway rehabilitation projects.
  • A new fire truck.

The 2024 and 2025 proposed capital budgets include major projects such as:

  • The fourth fire hall design is planned for 2024 with construction beginning in 2025 at a total estimated cost of $27 million.
  • South regional lift station.
  • Wastewater force main construction to Calgary.
  • Regional park land development (for the new regional park in the NE)
  • Ron Ebbesen mid-life lifecycle project.
  • A new regional recreation centre.
  • Various roads, engineering structures and utility projects.
  • The 2023 operating budget includes $690,000 that will go directly into the General Capital Reserve.

For a breakdown of where the tax dollars will go if the recommendation is endorsed, CLICK HERE.

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