2012 Budget Approved

Red Deer County Council officially approved the 2012 Operating and Capital budgets at their meeting on December 20, 2011. Many members of Council took the time to congratulate staff for all of their hard work in putting this budget together.

“I wish to echo the sentiment expressed by Council,” says Curtis Herzberg, County Manager. “Council has approved a budget that will see the same service levels and an aggressive capital budget with some major road and bridge projects slated for the coming year.”

“Everyone knows that we had a bad weather year in 2011, so it’s no surprise that a number of road and drainage projects were not completed," adds Herzberg. "That being said, Red Deer County continues to be in an enviable position compared to many municipalities.”  In fact, the County’s fiscal performance is very good for 2011. “Almost every department came in under budget by year end and the County has a healthy reserve."

After several years of minimal or no tax increases, County Administration is recommending a tax rate increase of 3.5% for 2012. Tax rates are not set until the spring, when more data is available. “Hopefully the weather will cooperate for 2012 so we will have a better year for some of our infrastructure initiatives,” notes Herzberg.  “In the meantime, we simply need to position the County so that it can continue to meet the needs and expectations of our ratepayers.”

“We are holding the line on our Operating costs which are down slightly for 2012,” notes Heather Gray, Director of Corporate Services. “While Operating costs don’t vary significantly, the County will continue to provide high quality services our residents expect. In 2012 we are also recommending that some reserve funds be used to support provincial grants for two major bridge projects.”

Capital spending is up in 2012 by $12 million for a total of just over $38 million compared with roughly $26.5 million in 2011. “The additional $12 million being carried forward is specifically aimed at completing road and drainage projects we were unable to finish in 2011 due to the wet weather that lasted literally from spring to fall,” notes Gray. “In 2012 the County hopes to continue with its ambitious road program. This includes over $7 million for bridge work, nearly $6 million on paving and $18 million on other road work – from chip sealing and base strengthening to construction and maintenance. We are also recommending that $1.1 million go towards new drainage projects around the County. And we are anticipating higher costs for snowplows and graders which are crucial for keeping roads clear for residents.”

 Summary of Capital and Operating Expenses (Budgeted):

A number of other unique initiatives were also presented for Council consideration, among them a request to support funding for a technical rescue team. “Resident safety is important to us,” notes Herzberg. “There were two major events in 2011 – a train derailment and a tornado – and a technical rescue team would focus on resident safety in the event of a life-threatening event.

For more information:

Curtis Herzberg, County Manager
Red Deer County
403.350.2152

Heather Gray, Director of Corporate Services
Red Deer County
403.350.2159