At the December 4th, 2018 council meeting, Red Deer County approved their 2019-2021 operating budget and their 2019-2023 capital budgets.

Mayor of Red Deer County Jim Wood says most of their costs will go towards updating roads and maintaining infrastructure, but they also will work to improve $3.9 million worth of bridges over the next five years.

"Were in very good financial shape, we have no debt and we have millions in the bank," says Wood, so I think that gives us a good opportunity to be flexible enough to take with opportunities when they come."

He says that during this slow economic period, they are happy to remain steady when it comes to their final numbers and the long-term financial stability.

"This year is going to be a fairly average year." 

Wood says that the Operating budget for 2019 rose slightly ($46.9 million -$51.2 million), while the 2019 Capital spending dropped significantly from last year ($30.6 million-$24.5 million).

"We'll provide the services that are necessary for Red Deer County, and services that we believe our residents are asking us to provide were providing them at a good rate, we're not seeing budget increases this year, we are slightly down from last year." 

The budget was passed unanimously by the council.