Leduc County council approved the final 2018 budget and set the 2018 tax rates at its regular council meeting this afternoon.
Council approved an $86 million operating budget and $33.3 million capital budget, which represents a 1.16 per cent tax increase over 2017.
The 2018 budget solidifies Leduc County’s commitment to efficient, effective services in the region and allows us to support new initiatives that will enhance these services and give us the flexibility to make decisions that will meet the growing needs of our customers.
Mayor Tanni Doblanko
The 2018 capital budget includes $7 million for the annual road surfacing program, $1.1 million for a fire station expansion in the New Sarepta fire district, $920,000 for capital equipment and vehicle purchases for protective services, $2.2 million for bridge rehabilitation and $335,000 for parks and recreation purposes. The 2018 operating budget includes major projects of $2.2 million for parks and recreation; with a $1.5 million portion going towards the Warburg arena upgrade.
2018 tax rates
The 1.16 per cent tax increase results in minimal tax increases for most land owners. Approximately 82 per cent of Leduc County property owners can expect a property tax increase of less than $100 over 2017. Twelve per cent of property owners can expect an increase between $101 and $250 and the remaining six per cent can expect an increase of more than $250.
Property taxes are comprised of municipal taxes, other requisitions, local improvement tax and the provincial education tax. Leduc County is obligated to collect the provincial education tax, as set by the Government of Alberta, as part of its property taxes. Leduc County’s total 2018 education property tax is $24.9 million, which represents an approximate 3.36 per cent, or $800,000, increase over 2017.
Tax notices will be mailed to residents no later than the last week of May 2018. Taxes are due by June 30, 2018.
-Submitted by Leduc County