Red Deer County's capital budget could rise to $39 million in 2018 before, dropping back down to typical levels the following two years.

Most of that money is budgeted for infrastructure and roads, $32.7 million.

Mayor Jim Wood says the county is hoping to take advantage of competitive prices, drawing from reserves.

“Anytime we can get work done at 50 cents on the dollar, that means doing twice as much work for the same money, it’s very prudent to do so,” Wood says.

County council tabled its operating and capital budgets for public input on Tuesday morning. After feedback is taken, council will approve the budgets on Dec. 19.

Wood continues, that there could be a one mill increase to non-residential rates for both 2018 and 2019 to replace lost revenues from the oil and gas sector.

As well, a “negligible” increase to the recreation levy, with the county expecting to have new recreation agreements with urban municipal partners in the next two years.