Blackfalds property owners can expect to pay five per cent more on their municipal taxes next year.
Town council approved its $35.9 million operating and $3.9 million capital budgets on Tuesday.
On a typical $350,000 property municipal taxes will increase to $2,865.92 from $2,733.92 – up $132.
Blackfalds property taxes increased 2.9 per cent in 2024 and 4.7 per cent in 2023.
The amount needed for schools, Lacombe Foundation and seniors housing will not be known until the spring following the passing of the provincial budget.
“Our council collaborated with senior staff and conducted a thorough consultation process, which clearly indicated a community desire to maintain Blackfalds’ current service levels and support our continued growth,” said Mayor Jamie Hoover.
“In recent years, we focused on keeping tax increases below inflation. However, we recognize that a tax increase is necessary to sustain growth and address rising costs.
"This commitment is reflected in our balanced three-year operating budget, which includes targeted increases in critical staffing, such as emergency services.”
Justin de Bresser, director of corporate services, said the tax rate increase reflects the impact of inflation on the town's fixed costs.
The biggest capital budget project is the continuation of the North West Storm project at a cost of $2.5 million.
Funded by $1 million in offsite levies paid by developers and grants, the project is expected to be completed early next year. It is necessary to provide the infrastructure for a new Catholic elementary school at Aspen Lakes West and new residential housing in the Aurora Heights neighbourhood.
Just under half of the capital budget is funded through grants, including $1.5 million from the federal government and $1 million from the province.
