The City of Red Deer has released its proposed operating budget and it's the lowest in 15 years.  

The total recommended budget is around $357 million which includes a 2.51 per cent tax rate increase.

City Manager Craig Curtis said despite financial challenges, one of the priorities was to look after the social well-being of the community.

“We’ve put dollars in this budget to keep the user fees for most of the facilities the same, no increase. That’s the first time we’ve done that in many years.”

Curtis added that the budget also includes continued upgrades to the water and wastewater treatment plants and continued development of the Riverlands area.  

The provincial carbon level comes into effect this year as well, making up .22 per cent of the tax increase, something Mayor Tara Veer says will not translate into new services at this point.

“Our council has gone on public record and has submitted a proposal to Alberta’s Mayors Caucus which was unanimously supported by the Mayors Caucus as well, that the tax be revenue neutral for municipalities in recognition of the fact that it is levying an additional tax twice on the citizens that we represent.”

Veer added the operational budget focuses on sustainability for people and services while navigating through the tough economic times.  

Residents can now review the budget and provide feedback to council before it’s considered on January 10.