City Manager’s Message
The year 2007 will be even busier than 2006. Your Council and City Administration are eagerly anticipating the future. Airdrie will continue to be a vibrant, friendly community providing excellent services with excellent values.
The 2007 budget, as recommended by Administration, is built using Council’s “building blocks” for the future. This budget provides financial resources for initiatives designed to enhance each of the six “building blocks” which will move the community forward toward its vision.
The operational budget provides for all of Council’s approved programs and service levels for the year 2007. It reports on the revenue and expenditures for the 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 expectation is for Council to approve capital projects for 2007 and receive for information projects recommended in 2008 and 2009.
In preparing the operations budget (General Fund), several assumptions were made, those being:
- Airdrie’s population will increase to 32,882 and the number of properties created in Airdrie would increase by 11 per cent.
- There will be $247.7 million in new construction.
- Market value on assessment will increase by 37.5 per cent.
- Power and gas supply costs remain stable (under contract) with a 4% increase in power distribution costs.
- Salary increases of 4 per cent.
As a result, Administration is recommending a 5.5 per cent tax increase for 2007.
In regards to Utility Operations, Administration is recommending residential waste collection rates to remain the same as 2006, water rates to increase by 6.58 per cent, and sewer rates to increase by 10.51 per cent.
If this budget is approved by Council, Airdrie will continue to be one of the leaders in value for tax dollars. What this means is that the amount of municipal taxes collected on a per capita basis is one of the lowest amongst the cities in the province, while still providing good quality.
The capital budget, if approved, will provide for the start of the second phase of the Wellness Centre ($17 million), significant road/intersection improvements ($4.6 million), water reservoir and lift station construction ($8.5 million) and various park improvements ($1 million).
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
City Manager
City of Airdrie
Email: City Manager