Leduc County Council approved a $125.6 million budget in 2024 for the region.
In a press release, the County stated that $101.2 million of the budget is for operations, while the county allocated $24.4 million for capital budgets.
The County said that it was able to maintain last year’s tax rates, and thus, rates will remain unchanged for this year, the release stated.
Last year’s municipal operating tax rate was 2.97 per cent and that’s the rate for 2024.
“Leduc County recognizes the affordability issues facing residents and businesses and given our assessment growth, no increase to our tax rates for 2024 is needed; the rates will remain at 2023 values,” said Leduc County Mayor Tanni Doblanko.
“We’re able to do this while maintaining service levels and making significant investments in our capital infrastructure,” Doblanko added.
Between 2023 and 2024, Leduc County experienced notable growth in its overall assessment values from $9.24 to $9.86 billion. Given the additional tax dollars from this increase in assessment, Leduc County Council decided to maintain last year’s tax rates.
This also includes $28.9 million collected on behalf of the province for schools and the Leduc Regional Housing Foundation designated for seniors’ housing.
For their 2024 property tax notices, roughly 65 per cent of property owners will see an annual increase of $100 or less, or a decrease or no change compared to 2023.
The county said that tax notices will be mailed on May 13.
2024 budget highlights:
• $16.5 million for road projects and maintenance
• $4.14 million in utility infrastructure upgrades, i.e., New Sarepta reservoir and pump house
• $2.59 million for bridge projects
• $1.9 million in cost-share recreation support to five partner municipalities
• $1.36 million for emergency services equipment and apparatus
• $1.33 million for the Warburg Arena renovation
• $733,500 for public transit buses and an increase in bus services
• $312,500 for support to not-for-profit facilities and community recreation and cultural grants
• $150,000 for support to six libraries
• $6,000 for a seniors’ transportation subsidy program
Property tax notices will be mailed to residents and corporate citizens on May 13, 2024. Taxes are due June 30, 2024; in-person must be dropped off by the last working day of June which is June 28, 2024.