November 1, 2018
The City’s proposed 2019-2022 Operating Budget has been released and will be presented to City Council on November 7. The planned Budget calls for annual revenues and expenditures to range from $2.98 billion in 2019 to $3.27 billion in 2022.
“Together, the Capital Budget and Operating Budgets are about building a great city - two parts of our overall commitment to imagining, maintaining and animating Edmonton,” said City Manager Linda Cochrane. “This Budget balances our aspirations for continued growth with the reality of fiscal and economic constraints.”
The City’s proposed 2019-2022 Operating Budget includes a recommended property tax increase of 3.3 per cent for 2019, followed by an increase of 2.7 per cent in 2020 and two per cent in the following two years. The areas of increase include:
- Costs associated with maintaining programs and services
- Dedicated tax levies for the Valley Line LRT and Alley Renewal program
- Dedicated funding approved through policy for the Edmonton Police Service
- Changes to services and their delivery, including cannabis legalization and transit safety and security
The proposed 2019 budget would provide services to the average Edmonton household for $6.96 per day, or $2,540 per year, an increase of $79 over 2018.
“This is the first time Administration has developed proposed four-year Capital and Operating Budgets in the same year,” said Chief Financial Officer Todd Burge. “This helps us look further and plan better for our future and offers flexibility to adjust to changing priorities or economic circumstances.”
Edmontonians can view the City’s proposed Operating Budget online at
edmonton.ca/budget
.
After the initial presentation to Council, a public hearing will be held on November 15, followed by deliberations among Council. The final version of the Budget will be set by Council and is expected in late 2018.
Edmontonians are encouraged to make their voices heard. Residents and organizations can register to speak at the non-statutory public hearing on November 15 by calling the City Clerk at 780-496-8178 or online at
edmonton.ca/meetings
. Edmontonians can also join the Budget conversation at
yegcitybudget.ca
.
