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By Jordan Parker

County council approves interim budget for 2018

Dec 6, 2017 | 3:17 PM

The council at the County of Grande Prairie adopted an interim 2018 budget, with no tax increase.

The budget is $147 million, and includes estimated expenditures of $79.3 million for general operations and $67.7 million for capital.

“Council is optimistic about a zero increase to taxes for 2018 based on forecasted economic, population and development growth for the year; however, market and linear assessments and pending provincial grants will shape the final tax rates set in the spring,” said Reeve Leanne Beaupre in a press release.

“I commend Council and staff for their work on ensuring the 2018 budget addresses the needs of our growing community now and into the future and further strengthens our community through investments, all while keeping tax rates reasonable.”

A few of the services, programs and projects Council approved for 2018 include:

  • Nearly 75 per cent of the capital budget going towards road and bridge projects
  • Two youth program coordinators for the new FCSS youth summer program and a coordinator for the FCSS home support program
  • New road maintenance equipment and three Public Works Equipment Operators for capital road projects and year-round road maintenance programs
  • Nearly $5.2 million in recreation, culture, community, FCSS, and library grants to go towards various organizations
  • A new fire hall for the hamlet of La Glace, water tender for the Town of Sexsmith Fire Department, and a new radio communications system for Regional Fire and Enforcement Services
  • $1.5 million towards Weed Control services and programs (over 62 per cent of the Agriculture department budget)
  • Clairmont Centre for Recycling and Waste Management and Bezanson Lagoon expansion and upgrades
  • Funds going towards supporting existing and new parks and recreation initiatives such as the Wapiti Recreation Area Implementation Plan and Pipestone Creek Campground improvements (additional powered sites)
by Jordan Parker