Any increase for property taxes for the Town of Stettler next year will be very minimal under a commitment by council.
At its regular meeting Dec. 1, council adopted an interim 2010 budget of $12,971,310, a figure calculated in the draft operating budgets for 2010 to 2012.
“We believe this is a responsible budget,” said Mayor Dick Richards.
“It’s good news for the taxpayers of Stettler and we are able to provide services without raising taxes too much.”
Municipal leaders remain committed to control taxes.
“Council and administration consider the property tax and utility rate increases included in the 2010-2012 interim operating budget necessary, given the present and future obligations required in a growing community,” said Greg Switenky, assistant chief administrative officer.
For municipal taxes, council plans to raise taxes by one per cent in 2010 and two per cent each in 2011 and 2012.
“The three-year forecast reflects council’s intent to be fiscally responsible and accountable to its residents,” said Switenky.
“The 2010-2012 operating budget enables council to sustain the high level of public services, facilities and utilities for all Town of Stettler residents, as well as to continue to renew aging capital infrastructure and equipment.”
As part of the budget, the town proposes to increase rates to in-town water consumption to $1.77 per cubic meter from $1.70 and residential garbage pick-up to $15 per month from $14.50.
By function, the interim budget includes:
• Water and supply – $2,066,655.
• Parks and leisure – $1,993,015.
• Statutory requisition – $1,711,640.
• Transportation services – $1,131,295.
• Police services – $1,088,300.
• Contribution to capital – $1,016,910.
• Administration/general – $846,880.
• Waste management – $500,100.
• Fire department – $458,345.
• Property subdivision – $462,400.
• Economic development – $440,950.
• Sanitary sewer – $404,720.
• Land plan and development – $277,675.
• Culture – $268,070.
• Utility (return on investment) – $264,500.
• Family and Community Support Services – $163,700.
• Council – $127,010.
• Bylaw and enforcement – $86,990.
• Shop and common services – $72,870.
• Cemetery – $45,710.
• Airport – $20,715.
• Emergency management services – $17,630.
• Property rental – $18,440.
• Community services – $15,790.
Water rates increase
Council also adopted a bylaw to raise monthly rates for the potable water consumption for the next three years for users that include:
In town – variable component – $1.77 in 2010, $1.84 in 2011 and $1.91 in 2012.
In town fixed component – $10 for each year.
Village of Botha and Gadsby system – $1.77 in 2010 and $1,83 in 2011 and 2012.
Highway 12-21 system at Shirley McClellan Regional Water Services Commission – $1.24 for 2010 to 2012.
