Village of Rockyford council held the line with no increase on residential taxes during the regular council meeting on Wednesday, February 9.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Elaine Macdonald provided council with a thorough breakdown of water, sewer, and garbage revenue and expenses prior to presenting the 2022 Operating Budget.
She noted the Wheatland Regional Corporation (WRC) held its own budgeting meeting and increased its cost per cubic metre for water.
To accommodate this increase, the village will implement a two per cent increase for water; there will also be a two per cent increase on sewer and garbage.
Bulk water costs will also increase, however, CAO Macdonald noted she is still working on the amount as bulk water is metered in American gallons and priced in cubic metres and this is causing some discrepancies.
CAO Macdonald shared she hopes water metering at the municipal campground can be completed this year to provide a better understanding of how much water is being used at this facility between campsites and the camp washrooms.
There were some adjustments made to the Operating Budget from the original budget meeting on January 27.
This includes a two per cent staff wage increase and a $15,000 adjustment under the firefighting budget for bunker gear. CAO Macdonald shares that she was informed of a capital grant available for bunker gear and has adjusted the budget to reflect this.
Carbon levies are also increasing this year and CAO Macdonald noted an additional five per cent was budgeted to accommodate this increase, along with a five per cent increase for utilities.
Rockyford Mayor Darcy Burke stated, “With no number available, I think five per cent is as good as we can do.”
Despite these challenges, council passed the 2022 Operating Budget with no change to the residential tax rate; this is the second year council has passed zero increase to the residential tax rate despite added costs.
The 2022 Capital Budget will be brought before council for consideration in an upcoming meeting.
