december 23, 2020
News Advertiser PAGE 3
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Vegreville Town Council Passes 2021 Budget Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
Vegreville town council passed its 2021 operating budget and capital plans at its December 14 meeting. Corporate Services Director Paul Casey stated, “The 2021 Budget was impacted by the potential impacts of COVID-19 on Town operations and expected reductions in Provincial Funding for both the Town’s three-year Operating Plan and five-year Capital Plan. During the budgeting process, Administration worked with Council to deliver a fair and balanced budget that included a reduction in property taxes without causing a significant reduction in services provided by the Town, and increasing user fees where appropriate. The three-year operating plan includes the following key items for the 2021 Operating Budget: • 2% reduction in property taxes for the municipal portion of property taxes only, resulting in an overall reduction in tax revenue collected in 2021, of approximately $188,000; • A reduction on the property tax rate for small businesses by increasing the discount on Non-Residential Taxes to 20% from the previous 15%, relative to other non-residential businesses, resulting in further savings to small business of approximately $58,000; • One-time provincial funding of $617,000 to offset impacts of the COVID19 Pandemic. These funds will be used for various projects throughout the community using local businesses to complete.
• Adjustments to certain user fees resulting in additional revenue of approximately $180,000; • Creation of a new $5 monthly charge on Utility bills for an Infrastructure Replacement Fee which will generate approximately $151,000 annually, and will be earmarked for the Infrastructure Reserve to offset reductions in Provincial Government grant funding for infrastructure in the current and future years; and • 0% Cost of Living Adjustment for salaries and wages in 2021. Mayor Tim MacPhee said the increase in utility
Department Community Services Community Services Parks &Recreation Parks & Recreation Parks & Recreation Public Works Utility Services I.P. & D. I.P. & D. Total
fees would cost $84 more a year but would be offset by the two percent decrease in property taxes, and residents would probably save more than $84 a year in taxes. Residents will pay $1 more per month increase for Residential Garbage Collection and Recycling, and $5 more per month for new Infrastructure Replacement Fee. The five-year capital plan includes the 2021 capital budget and capital plans for each of 2022 through 2025. The 2021 capital budget within the five-year capital plan totals $11,799,005 and includes the following:
Description New Highway Signage CCTV Camera System Development of 1.2 KM NE walking trail Playground development – 2 locations Machinery & Equipment Replacement Equipment and Vehicle replacement Vehicle Replacement Capital Works SE 17 Industrial Park
Estimated Cost $200,000 30,000 196,505 120,000 47,500 209,000 46,000 1,050,000 9,900,000 $11,799,005
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Funding Source Reserve Operations/Reserve Provincial Grant Provincial Grant Operations/Reserve Operations Operations Provincial Grant Grants and debenture financing
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