Just 29 motions stand between St. Albert city council and the finalization of next year's municipal budget, with the first of three scheduled meetings to take place this afternoon.
As it currently stands, St. Albert's 2024 budget carries with it a 5.5 per cent property tax increase and a 7.2 per cent increase to monthly utility bills.
Motions to make changes to the budget range from postponing the creation of new staff positions, such as a land planning specialist, to hiring more Peace Officers. While many motions up for debate, if passed, will reduce the budget and the looming property tax increase, at least 10 motions seek additional city spending, such as Coun. Mike Killick's motion to spend $125,000 on installing programmable LED lights on St. Albert Place.
Despite council having three meetings to go through all 29 motions, it's quite possible that only one meeting will be needed and the 2024 budget could be finalized tonight.
The Gazette will have coverage of budget deliberations online, and in the Thursday, Nov. 30 edition of the newspaper.
