City Manager’s Message

The next three years will prove busy for the City of Airdrie staff. Airdrie continues to be one of the leaders in value for tax dollars. The amount of municipal taxes collected on a per capita basis is the lowest among Alberta’s mid-sized cities. The 2008 budget outlines several projects providing for all of Council’s approved programs and service levels for the year 2008. It reports on the revenue and expenditures for the operating fund which consists of General and Utility operations (water, sewer, waste collection and recycling). As well, Administration has prepared a three-year capital plan for Council’s consideration.

The capital budget of $60 million includes the paving of 8th Street to the southern city limits, an expansion of the parks/public works facility ($5.6M), and construction of the west side fire hall ($10.8M). As well, it provides for the start of the second phase of the East Lake Recreation and Wellness Centre ($18.5M), and construction of a north east reservoir ($5.6M)

In preparing the operations budget, several assumptions were made, those being:
• Airdrie’s population would increase to 35,207 and the number of properties created in Airdrie would increase by 14%
• $350 million in new construction
• Market value on assessment will increase by 27.7%
• Power and gas supply costs remain stable (under contract) with a 10% increase in power distribution costs
• Salary increases of 5%

As a result, Administration is recommending a 5% tax increase for 2008. Administration is also recommending water variable rates increase by 4%; the sewer base rate to increase by 3.75%; the sewer variable rate to increase by 10.6% and the waste management fees to increase by 14% from $20.11 to $22.93 bi-monthly.

The City takes great pride in its sound financial management and will continue to strive to provide excellent programs and services in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.

In conclusion, I would like to thank each member of our staff who has helped in the production of this comprehensive budget. A tremendous amount of thought and work went into the development of the budget document and it has been a team effort from start to finish.

George Keen
Chief Administrative Officer, City of Airdrie

Email: City Manager