After several weeks of tweaking, trimming and debating, city council has followed through on its promise of delivering a municipal property tax increase of no more than three per cent.
Council gave its final stamp of approval to the one-year operating and capital budget Monday night, which will see municipal property taxes rise by 2.89 per cent for homeowners and 3.19 per cent for businesses — slightly higher than the original draft proposed by city administration.
The increase means the owner of an average home worth $400,000 will pay an extra $78.50 per year in municipal property taxes. For the owner of a non-residential property worth $900,000, the increase means an extra $303 in taxes.
The budget also calls for a 9.5 per cent increase to utility rates next year, which equates to an extra $8.06 per month for a typical home.
‘Aggressive year ahead'
Despite being labelled on numerous occasions as a 'no-frills' budget, Mayor Nolan Crouse said 2010 is still going to be an aggressive year, with several public works' projects on the bill, along with Ray Gibbon Drive.
In the upcoming year, Crouse said he'd like to have more discussions with social agencies, and would like to re-visit the issue of long-term upkeep of city-owned facilities.
"How far do we take this lifecycle replacement? I think it would be a key priority for us," said Crouse. "These times are uncertain times. We must continue to be diligent on quotes, [contract proposals], bids and whatnot."
Coun. Carol Watamaniuk said the budget is a reflection of the overall high quality of life in St. Albert.
"It may seem frivolous some of the things we do, but none of them are frivolous," she said. "It's all about the quality of life for our citizens."
On the capital and utility side, a total of $92 million has been set aside for 70 projects that address the maintenance of existing municipal roads, buildings and underground water and sewer, while providing for growth demands. Council only approved a one-year capital budget instead of 2010-12 due to uncertainty with future provincial grant funding.
A large portion of the budget is dedicated towards the development of major roadways, such as widening roads that connect to Anthony Henday Drive on-ramps, and stage three of Ray Gibbon Drive — a $47-million project the province has promised to fund.
Other capital projects include upgrades to city parks, the development of a dog park, tennis court and sports refurbishments, phase two of the Riel Recreation Park redevelopment, and stage one of the heritage-themed park.
Meanwhile, the bulk of the $108-million operating budget is dedicated towards salaries. Only two full time employees were added to payroll at city hall — an environmental co-ordinator and a staff person to provide IT support to the RCMP.
The city will collect more than $70 million in municipal property taxes for 2010.
The overall property tax increase will not be set until the spring, after the provincial government sets the education tax levy.
