LAC LA BICHE - Lac La Biche County councillors have passed the 2021 budget, a financial plan for the coming year that includes $76 million in operating revenues, $55 million in operating expenditures, more than $28 million in new capital spending, a projected $3 million surplus, and the ability to put more than $5 million into non-operating reserves.
Council approved the budget at their most recent council meeting after more than six weeks of deliberations, including two public open house sessions.
The financial plan includes funding for the municipality's portion of a $15 million aquatic centre at the Bold Center, a $20 million Main Street revitalization project and another $5.4 million to finish the last phase of the Bold Center sports fields and campsite project. The spending budgeted for this year includes almost $15 million in expected grant funding, as well as reserves set aside from pervious years.
The budget is based on the the idea that there will be no municipal tax rate increases in 2021 for municipal ratepayers, says Lac La Biche County Mayor Omer Moghrabi.
"This budget is based on a zero percent tax increase," says the mayor, explaining that provincial officials have strongly encouraged all municipalities to hold the line on municipal mill rates this year due to challenging economic times. "We are being told to get this done without raising our taxes."
The mayor agrees.
"It's been a tough year for Lac La Biche County, with the ongoing economic slump, the pandemic and spring flooding challenging our community."
Assessments await
The municipal rates are only part of the tax equation, however, says the mayor, explaining that property assessments still have to be determined within the municipality, including industrial properties, which are assessed by provincial inspectors.
Moghrabi and council has a meeting scheduled with the Minister of Municipal Affairs Tracy Allard on Jan. 14 to discuss funding plans for the region.
Municipal tax rates for residents are expected to be set by council in April of 2021.