Property owners in the County of Grande Prairie could be looking at a one per cent property tax increase next year. The increase, which roughly translates to roughly $18 for a property valued at $435,000, is proposed in the County’s 2020 budget.
Councillors have spent the last three days deliberating, and approved, in principle, a $143.7 million dollar budget. It has an expected expenditures list totalling $78.4 million for general operations to go along with $65.3 million provisionally green-lit for capital spending.
Councillors were also able to shed roughly $2.3 million from the deficit, and did so by deferring spending on some projects to a later year.
“Council understands the fiscal challenges and economic uncertainties the County, organizations across the province and many local residents and businesses are facing,” says Reeve Leanne Beaupre
“To recognize these challenges, we have developed a budget that reflects conservative spending and maintains our investment in roads and services,” she adds.
The bulk of the capital budget will put used towards bridge and road projects, with 63 per cent going to infrastructure plans. The County has also earmarked upwards of $5.6 million towards recreation, Family and Community Support Services, seniors, and special needs transportation, among other things.
Some of the big-ticket, non-transportation projects include $5 million for infrastructure projects like the installation of a sewer line in Clairmont and a new water treatment plant in La Glace.
The final approval of the budget is expected to be debated in the spring.