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Town of Blackfalds proposes 1% tax increase

1% increase will see a $23 per year increase for an average house valued at $286,000
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At their regular council meeting on December 10, the Town of Blackfalds Council approved the 2020 operating budget of $28,900,649 resulting in a 1 per cent property tax increase; about a half percent below the Consumer Price Index for Alberta and about half the national average.

“Council showed last night that they are unanimously in support of the budget. Our Council recognized the circumstances that many of our citizens are experiencing, and in response we chose to forgo any increase to Councillor remunerations for the upcoming year. We are very encouraged that Administration and our staff also recognized these challenging times and have demonstrated that they are committed to finding efficiencies within our Town operation for the upcoming year,“ stated Mayor Richard Poole. “2020 will be exciting, and I am confident that with this budget as well as our Capital budget, our Town is positioned to continue supporting economic and business growth, supporting facility development and bringing greater prosperity and success to Blackfalds.”

The operating budget was prepared and reviewed through a collaborative process which included public input through a budget survey conducted July 15 – August 15. Over the past few months Administration and Council took part in various discussions, presentations and budget retreats and resulted in a unanimous consensus for the 2020 budget. By separating out the capital budget in the amount of $16,802,600 which was approved November 26, Council was able to direct their attention solely on the operating budget.

The 1 per cent increase will see a $23 per year (or $1.94/month) increase for an average house valued at $286,000 (excluding the provincial portion of the Alberta School Foundation Fund).

-Submitted by the Town of Blackfalds