Advocate staff
Lacombe residents are looking at a 3.28 per cent municipal tax increase next year.
That’s the number proposed in next year’s draft $37.4-million operating budget. It represents $430,650 in additional spending to cover cost of running the city and its programs.
A $22.1-million draft capital plan funds 36 projects. One of the bigger projects to be tackled next year will see Main Street revamped at a cost of $6.6 million.
A $10.6-million project will service an area on the west side of town.
Mayor Steve Christie says the city’s growth is making maintaining service levels a challenge.
Christie says “council has worked hard to find efficiencies, and we have worked with administration to prepare a draft budget that maintains service levels and supports increased demand from residents in a sustainable manner.”
A budget open house and question-and-answer session has been set for Nov. 21 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Lacombe Memorial Centre.
Council will review public feedback at its Nov. 28 council meeting.