Budget 2024

Budget

Budget Questions Budget Basics Budget Notes, Reports and Presentations

The Budget determines the level of service provided to Sturgeon County residents and taxpayers, and guides decisions on County infrastructure.

Review the proposed 2024 Budget package.

Key Priorities for Budget 2024

Sturgeon County continues to have one of the lowest residential tax rates in the province and the business tax rate is competitive. Historically, Sturgeon has supported very conservative budgets. Over seven years, from 2017 to 2023, the County’s municipal tax rate only increased 2.69 per cent. For this same period, consumer price index (CPI), which measures inflation, increased approximately 21 per cent.

Sturgeon County continues to look for ways to attract investment, which supports financial sustainability and future prosperity. Business investment is critical to Sturgeon County. More than 80 per cent of the County’s tax revenue comes from heavy industry in the Alberta Industrial Heartland, from other County industrial parks, and various businesses in the community.

Key infrastructure like roads, bridges, fire and emergency equipment, and parks and trails are essential to building thriving communities. The County is investing approximately $50 million to fund this infrastructure in 2024.

You work hard for your money, and we want to make sure you’re getting good value for your tax dollars.

Contact Information

Corporate Finance and Treasury
780-939-4321
Email

Questions about the 2024 Budget? 

Budget 2024 Timeline

Presentations to Council: October 25 and 26, 2023
Public Input: October 30 to November 13
Budget Deliberations: November 22 and 23, 2023
Budget Approval: December 12, 2023

Learn the Basics

Answers to the common questions around budget and operating costs.

Get Involved

Provide feedback on the draft 2024 Budget.

 

Reports & Financial Statements
Capital budgets, operating costs and previous years’ budgets.

Budget 2024 Update

After thoughtful debate, Council finished 2024 budget deliberations on November 23. The capital and operating budgets will go to Council for final consideration on December 12

A homeowner with a property valued at $500,000 will pay $41 more in municipal taxes in 2024.

The 2024 budget of more than $135 million includes approximately $50 million of planned infrastructure investments for roads, bridges, parks, playgrounds, and drainage projects, and more than $86 million to fund day-to-day services, like fire services, snow removal, water utilities, and community services.

Budget Highlights

  • A municipal tax rate increase for 2024 was originally proposed at 3.87 per cent. Through Council debate and strategic decision-making, that has been reduced to 2.13 per cent.
    • A homeowner with a property valued at $500,000 will pay $41 more in municipal taxes in 2024. A business valued at $1 million will pay $229 more.
  • The 2024 budget totals more than $135 million.
    • The nearly $50 million capital budget will fund roads, bridges, parks, playgrounds and drainage work in 2024. Between 2023 and 2025, more than $163 million is being invested in capital infrastructure. Transportation infrastructure is the largest expense for Sturgeon County.
    • The approximately $86 million operating budget will fund day-to-day municipal services.
  • More than 80 per cent of the County’s tax revenue comes from heavy industry in the Alberta Industrial Heartland, from other County industrial parks, and various businesses in the community.
  • Council is prioritizing utility rate affordability. Some elements related to utility rates are outside of the County’s control. Council continues to work through changes with utility providers to ensure residents receive fair and sustainable rates. The County is committed to transparency and will keep the community informed as we navigate these complexities.
  • Sturgeon County’s total wage and benefit costs are proportionally lower than they were four years ago, but are fair and competitive. In 2023, the County conducted a regional compensation review to ensure staff wages and benefits are competitive and that we are attracting talented individuals to serve County residents and businesses.
  • Sturgeon County Council pay is set by a resident task force. This approach makes sure the community has input on pay, and that compensation reflects the time and expertise required for a role on Council. The last Council remuneration review happened in 2019.

We are investing:

  • More than $1.8 million to build, maintain and grow our parks, trails, and natural green spaces.
  • $3.1 million in our utility infrastructure, with $1.6 million for water and $1.5 million for wastewater services.
  • $41,000 for enhanced cyber security insurance coverage which would mitigate financial impacts of a cybersecurity incident.
  • $1.8 million to construct a roundabout at Sturgeon Road and Range Road 250, which is one of our busiest intersections.
  • $45,000 for a communications audit, to ensure Sturgeon County can communicate with residents in the most effective way possible.
  • $1.8 million for 14.3 full-time positions to help the County serve residents better. Positions include a social worker, development compliance officer, animal control officer and full-time firefighters.
  • $4 million to reduce debt, which results in significant savings by not having to pay interest.
  • $500,000 into reserves to fund snow removal, gravel road improvements and potential equipment needs.
  • $1.5 million for major initiatives that support economic development and investment attraction in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. These investments support a stronger tax base for the community, competitive tax rates and long-term financial sustainability.

Related Information: