Blackfalds Town Council approved the 2022 operating budget during the Feb. 22 regular council meeting
The 2022 operating budget of $29,801,048 will mean a 0 per cent increase for taxpayers. It was prepared and reviewed through a collaborative process which began in early summer of 2021 with the approval of the budget timeline and public engagement using an internal survey provider. During this time, administration and council had various discussions, presentations, and budget workshops; this time spent allowed administration and council to come to a consensus.
“Administration has worked hard on streamlining processes and looking for efficiencies to present a 0 per cent tax increase,” said Justin de Bresser, director of corporate services.
Mayor Jamie Hoover said that with the foresight of administration and previous councils, there are reserve funds that the Town can draw onto and allow for the relief that will be continued for taxpayers.
“This new town council, like many, are hoping that 2022 is a year of recovery for our community after a tough couple of years, and economic recovery was our focus in this budget,” said Hoover.
“We are confident that Blackfalds is still the strong, vibrant, sustainably growing community that has been the reason that we keep improving even during these challenging times, and in 2022 we will continue that in a financially prudent way,” Hoover said. “I’m amazed and proud of this community for its resilient ability to build so much improvement and opportunity in such a relatively short time.”
More details are available on blackfalds.ca.