STRATHMORE, ALBERTA | DECEMBER 8, 2022 – Each time you dive into the Aquatic Centre, borrow a book from the Strathmore Municipal Library, have your garbage or compost picked up, drink clean water from the tap, ride the handibus on a road, or have emergency services rush to your aid – you’re using a Town of Strathmore service.
The Capital and Operating Budget is the plan for how tax dollars and other funding will be invested to provide the essential services that Strathmore residents count on. During last night’s December 7th Regular Council meeting, Strathmore Town Council formally approved a recommended $35,119,800 Operating and $2,905,000 Capital budgets for a total combined 2023 budget of $38,024,800.
“While the Strategic Plan lays out Council’s vision for Strathmore, the budget is administration’s commitment to making the vision a reality.” said Leana Ashbacher, Sr. Manager of Financial Services. “Council’s approval of the 2023 budget sets the pace for the projects, initiatives and services that will make the Town of Strathmore future ready. This year’s budget was about investing in programs and services that improve community well-being, while balancing what’s possible given the current economic realities, inflationary pressures, and pandemic recovery.“ added Leana Ashbacher.
"In times when everyone is feeling the pinch of inflation, balancing a Town’s budget is especially difficult.” said Mayor Pat Fule, adding, “Council’s commitment to optimizing the value of every dollar has helped us be able to invest in the services that we’ve heard are important to residents – all while keeping our costs in line with community growth and economic pressures.”
A total 2023 budget of $38,024,800 equates to a 4.5 per cent levy increase over the 2022 budget. In relation to a typical home assessed at $350,000 in Strathmore, this would equal a property tax increase of $134.00 per year, $11.00 per month, or an average weekly increase of only $2.50 towards the services Strathmore residents rely on each day.
“Tax rate increases are never easy decisions to make.” said Mayor Fule. “Council and administration have worked tirelessly over the past few months and have prioritized financial prudence amid inflation to keep the tax demand increase as low as possible. We believe we’ve struck a balance between showing fiscal restraint and supporting the needs of the community - now and into the future.” added Mayor Fule.
The final tax levy and tax rates will be determined once education and senior housing requisitions are provided to the Town next spring. Individual property taxes may be lower, higher, or about the same based on how an individual property is assessed. Properties that experience a change in value below the average will see an increase that is below the average, while properties that experience a change in value above the average change will see an increase that is above the average.
A final copy of the adopted 2023 Budgets can be found here.
Contact information:
Town of Strathmore
Johnathan Strathdee, Manager of Legislative Services
Johnathan.Strathdee@Strathmore.ca
(403) 934-3133 ext. 227
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