Red Deer city council is giving staff more time to do some capital budget number crunching.
Capital budget discussions were scheduled to begin on Oct. 18 but administration asked for another three weeks to do a financial deep dive.
"Administration has been working through the ongoing forecasting of our overall financial position," said a report to council accompanying the time extension request.
Getting particular close looks from city staff are the Capital Projects Reserve, which holds the money set aside for future capital expenditures, and the municipality's long-term debt position.
"The evaluation of our outstanding projects prior to 2024, funded by both debt and reserve, require further investigation to fully inform our current financial position," says the report. "Delaying consideration of the capital budget to Nov. 18 will provide the time needed to firm up our position forecast."
Council unanimously agreed to rescheduling.
"I'm in favour of the postponement because I think it's going to give us better information," said Coun. Victor Doerksen.
"We all know that this year it's a challenging number we're considering," he said. "I think it would behoove us to have the best information available as we consider our budget.
"I'm glad they're going to do the extra work and I look forward to seeing the full report."
Coun. Dianne Wyntjes agreed, saying taking more time was a "wise move."
Operating budget debate is expected to run Nov. 19-22.