CHAT File Photo

By Gates Guarin

City budget process to begin Monday

Nov 4, 2022 | 5:05 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The City on Medicine Hat is preparing to propose its next budget for 2023 and 2024.

The city will be presenting the proposed budget to city council at the next council meeting, scheduled for Nov. 7. The city has outlined some initial figures before the official presentation.

If passed, Hatters can expect a four per cent increase on their property taxes from the budget. User fees and charges, such as building permits, facility entry (e.g. Big Marble Go Centre), business licences, and tickets for performances and events, will also see an estimated increase of four per cent, as outlined in the budget. It is important to note each city department sets their own fee schedule and actual fee adjustments will vary

The capital budget was also previewed, with investments of $45 million in 2023, and $49 million in 2024. A larger portion of the capital budget will be put towards reinvestment in current infrastructure. No new significant capital projects are included in the proposed budget.

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For the operating budget, a strategic investment of $75 million will be placed into the Heritage Savings Reserve.

Utility distribution rates were also discussed, and residents can expect an overall increase in both electricity and natural gas rates.

For electricity rates, expect a 3.9 per cent bump next year, and a 4.3 per cent increase the year after. The increases are largely due to the new substation which opened earlier this year.

Natural gas will see actually see a decrease in 2023, dropping by half a per cent. 2024 is a different story however, as a 3.4 per cent increase is planned.

Note these changes would be affecting the city’s distribution rate, affecting things like the building and operation of utility infrastructure, and not directly affecting the city’s commodity rate, which is what would be paid for consumption.

There will be opportunity for discussion and consultation of the budget before it is ultimately decided upon. A special committee meeting is planned for Nov. 16 after the initial presentations are completed. The budget is planned to be decided on by council on Nov. 21.

The city budget must be passed by Jan 1, 2023.