Council for the Town of Rocky Mountain House has adopted its 2022 operating budget and its status quo for utility rates and municipal taxation revenue.

The 2022 operating budget is $22,860,303, a nearly $500,000 reduction from the previous year.

For the fourth year in a row, the Town of Rocky Mountain House will not increase its municipal property tax revenue.

Council approved the 2022 budget at its Jan. 18 regular council meeting. Town officials note the budget is one of the most important documents that council approves. It provides council’s direction on spending for the coming and future years and allows administration to implement council’s directed service levels for the municipality.

“I am pleased that Council is maintaining the total property tax in this budget,” said Deputy Mayor Len Phillips. “While individual property taxes may vary depending on individual assessments, the Town will not collect any more property tax overall from town property-owners.”

The 2022 operating budget includes revenues of $9.1 million from property taxation and $2.79 million in operating grants. Service and user fees (including utilities), permits and licenses, leases and rentals make up the balance of revenue.

Operating expense highlights include $3.7 million for protective services, $4.7 million for utilities, $2.1 million for engineering and operations and $3.9 million for recreation, parks and culture. The cost of governance (council) is budgeted at $372,813 or 1.6 per cent of the operating budget.

Capital projects

Capital projects for the year total $21,364,200 which Town officials say is higher than previous years. The new wastewater treatment facility is scheduled to start constriction in 2022 and accounts for $17.15 million of the 2022 capital budget. The balance of the wastewater treatment facility project is funded using Federal/Provincial grants, municipal reserves and debt.

Other capital funding includes

• $1.7 million for equipment and infrastructure projects;
• $1 million for recreation projects; and
• $474,000 for protective services equipment and Regional Fire Services vehicles.

Officials say funds have also been set aside for three external groups: $25,000 to assist in developing a concept plan for a pump track, $25,000 to fund a feasibility study at the Rocky Recreation Centre for the Rocky Junior B Rams dressing rooms, and $75,000 earmarked to assist with lighting for the football field if the organization’s CFEP grant application is successful.

Planning for the future council’s Strategic Plan, also formally adopted at the Jan. 18 meeting, includes Long Term Planning as one of its stated goals.

“Long-term planning will maintain our assets, instill community confidence and attract businesses to our community,” said Phillips.

The Town of Rocky Mountain House prepares a five-year operating and a ten-year capital budget. This long-range planning aims to ensure the municipality is financially viable and that financing requirements are addressed for the long term.

“With nearly $16 million in reserves, the Town is in a very strong financial position,” said Director of Corporate Services, Betty Quinlan. “Council’s continued focus on efficiency and planning ensures the long-term sustainability of Rocky Mountain House.”

Council held two days of Budget discussions on Jan. 11 and 12. The public meetings were livestreamed.

“Now that the 2022 operating budget is approved, we look forward to receiving the Town’s updated assessment, provincial education and seniors housing requisitions,” said Phillips. “The 2022 tax rate bylaw will be set in April, once the Town receives its final property assessment numbers.”