Lacombe County Council has adopted the 2023 operating and capital budgets. Each year, Lacombe County Council and Administration meet to establish what follows the priorities set out in the County’s Strategic Plan and multi-year operating and capital plans. For 2023, Council’s focus was on continuing to deliver high levels of services to our ratepayers while minimizing tax rate increases.  

“We recognize that the challenges of inflation are impacting all our residents and businesses,” said Michael Minchin, Director of Corporate Services. “Council voted to approve interim capital and operating budgets for 2023 that recognizes these issues while ensuring the expenses of maintaining and running Lacombe County are addressed.” 

Lacombe County Council approves Interim operating and capital budgets in two stages. Interim budgets are approved in stage one which authorizes County to spend on approved projects and conduct operations on January 1, 2023. However, Tax Rates are not approved at this stage.  

Stage Two is completed in the spring after the Province sets the property tax levy for education purposes and when property assessment values have been confirmed. That will be when the final budgets and tax rates are approved.  

2023 Interim Operating Budget  

The $51,184,050 interim operating budget is balanced and maintains existing service levels. Highlights of the operating budget include:  

  • Providing 2022 levels of service indexed for 2023 using an inflation factor of three percent (3%), excluding the labour component.  
  • A proposed transfer of $48,690 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve.  
  • Included user fees for paid parking at recreation areas and beaches.  

2023 Interim Capital Budget

The 2023 interim capital budget is $20,680,210 which is a decrease of $3.51 million (14.50%) compared to 2022). Of the $20.68 million in capital spending in 2023, $8.73 million (42.22%) is sourced through funds set aside in prior years through the capital replacement plans, compared to $10.47 million in 2022.  

Highlights of the capital budget include: 

  • A decrease in road projects of $1.64 million.  
  • A slight decrease of $50,480 for bridge projects, including replacements and engineering.  
  • Equipment and vehicle replacements decrease by $2.82 million.  
  • Recreation projects of $1.09 million