The Town of Stettler council approved a three per cent tax increase along with the rest of the 2024 interim operating budget.
The interim 2024 budget was presented at the Dec. 19 regular meeting of council.
Town Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Leann Graham presented councillors with the proposed 2024 interim operating budget which she noted was discussed at a special budget council meeting Dec. 12.
In her presentation Graham noted the provincial government requires a budget be in place by Dec. 31 and the interim budget isn’t permanent; it remains in place until the full budget is approved in May, 2024.
However, her report noted councillors during their deliberations approved the following tax increases for the 2024 year:
Municipal property tax is proposed to increase by three per cent, the water rate is proposed to increase by $.1477 per meter cubed, the sewer rate is proposed to increase by 25 cents, the garbage rate is also proposed to increase by 25 cents and lastly, the recycling rate is similarly proposed to increase by 25 cents.
In her report, Graham recommended, “That the Town of Stettler council adopt, per Section 242(2) of the Municipal Government Act (MGA), the Interim 2024 – 2026 operating budget, with the following 2024 budget estimates; Expenditures totalling $19,811,255, revenues totalling $20,694,174 and amount available for capital (projects) of $882,919 for the year 2024 as an interim operating budget for that part of 2024 prior to the operating budget being adopted by council in May 2024.
“The interim operating budget is not used to set definitive property tax rates; rather it is used as the authority to provide services, programs and overall corporate continuity.
“It is further used by council to justify the setting all municipal utility rates for the subsequent year.
“An interim operating budget ceases to have any effect when the operating budget and tax/mill rate bylaw is adopted.”
The interim budget summary, which was prepared by the Assistant CAO team of Steven Gerlitz and Kim Hymers, was detailed and exhaustive, including 28 pages of charts, data, comparisons and extra information such as carry-forward items from previous years.
It also went into detail on every part of the interim budget, including the increase to property taxes. “
“Municipal governments have few tools available to finance budgetary pressures,” stated the staff summary.
“Property taxes are the primary and most substantial revenue source available.”
The garbage increase was said to reflect inflation, with the town pointing out it pays a contractor for that service.
“The 2024 budget includes a 2.9 per cent or $9,663 increase,” stated the staff memo.
“The current contract stipulates a two per cent increase in 2024, however, current inflation rates (Sept., 2023) are 2.9 per cent and administration believes a 2.9 per cent increase is more in line with current economic conditions.”
The recycling hike reflects inflation in that industry noted town staff.
“The proposed $0.25 per month increase in 2024 will generate $6,600 in new revenue,” stated the memo.
“This will offset the total cost increase in 2024 of $4,773. The amount available for capital will increase by $1,827.”
Graham stated the proposed financial impact of this interim 2024 budget on the average Stettler residential resident would be $97.04 over the year.
Coun. Gord Lawlor stated he appreciated the staff presenting the budget in an easy-to-understand fashion.
Mayor Sean Nolls agreed, noting the budget information is available to the public and should be easy to understand.
Councillors unanimously approved the 2024 interim operating budget.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
