Lac La Biche County passes $120M in 2024 budgets, tax increase slated for 4%

After five special council meetings, county council passed a budget that eyes a four per cent tax increase. 

Lac La Biche County passed an operating budget of $70 million and capital budget of $50.9 million at Tuesday’s regular council meeting.

Municipal governments must pass their interim 2024 budgets before the end of the year.

Projections for the upcoming year is based on a $1,880,705 property tax revenue increase, which projects a municipal tax rate increase of four per cent for urban/rural residential and urban non-residential properties, and a 1.5 per cent increase in rural non-residential properties.

This is according to a press release published by the County of Lac La Biche on Tuesday.

It also states that this 2024 budget is based on the 2023 operational budget with a five per cent trim. It says that council requested administration trim expenditures and, “find new ways to do the same work more efficiently, all while maintaining the high level of service that County residents rely on.” 

“Lac La Biche County Council continues to support our community’s growth by committing to major, transformative infrastructure and amenities, increasing our investment readiness,” says Mayor Paul Reutov in the release. 

“And our focus on administrative efficiencies and ambitious construction projects is already paying dividends, with brand new businesses and residents attracted by our low taxes, top-quality municipal services, and promise of a vibrant future. Lac La Biche County is a leader in rural Alberta, offering innovative programs while remaining fiscally responsible.”

Actual tax rates are subject to confirmation of the 2024 property assessment in March 2024. 

This modest proposed tax increase aligns with the tax strategy endorsed by Council earlier in 2023, decreasing the mill rate ratio (the ratio between the County’s highest and lowest tax rates) from 5.77 to 5.63. This brings Lac La Biche County closer to the 5:1 mill rate ratio required by the Government of Alberta.

Operating expenditures for 2024 are set at $70,052,665, which includes $7,109,601 towards debenture payments for capital projects.

Capital Budget

In addition to the pre-approved capital projects continuing from 2023 into 2024 (such as the Lac La Biche Main Street Revitalization Project, McArthur Park Redevelopment, and new Aquatics Centre at the Bold Centre), Council also approved the following:

• $2 million for the multi-year golf course redevelopment project.
• A variety of water and sewer utility projects. This includes $3.5 million for a 101A Street and 104 Avenue water and sewer replacement, and $2.2 million for a 105 Street water and sewer extension, both in the hamlet of Lac La Biche. These projects were previously approved in the 2023 capital budget, but were moved to 2024 due to cost increases. Churchill Drive from 100 St. to 101 St. will see water and sewer rehabilitation along 275 metres for $1.375 million. Owl River will receive a new truck fill station and potable water over the next two years: in 2024, materials will be purchased for $750,000, and installation will occur in 2025 for $450,000. Engineering to explore bringing water and sewer services along Claude Lake to 881 Corner Gas will happen for $500,000, and engineering on Highway 36 to 91 Avenue water and sewer network rehabilitation is estimated at $400,000.
• A variety of roads and trails, including $1.1 million for a walking trail in the Mission area, cold mix on McGrane Road for $1 million, major road repairs on campsite road for $1 million, and Bold Centre road network engineering and planning for $735,000 (in preparation for the new Aquatics Centre at the Bold Centre).
• $1 million for Lot 3 Access Road Development (the intersection of Beaverhill Road and 91 Avenue in Lac La Biche), in anticipation of future development and investment in the area.
• $2.1 million for an Emergency Vehicle Operations Driving Track, which will support the County’s Law Enforcement Training Centre, offering the only emergency vehicle operations driving track in Alberta for all types of first responders.

The total 2024 capital project budget (including pre-approved projects like phase two of the Lac La Biche Main Street Revitalization Project, phase two of the McArthur Park Redevelopment, and starting construction on the new Aquatics Centre at the Bold Centre) is $50,906,385.

A full summary of the budget will be posted on the County’s website in the coming weeks. Council will set municipal tax rates in spring 2024, after property assessments are available.