Edmonton’s 4-year operating budget proposes 3.3% tax hike next year
City administration has released the proposed four-year operating budget, which suggests a 3.3 per cent tax hike for Edmontonians next year.
The proposed tax increase in 2019 is more than what city council originally anticipated.
“I think we were all hoping for a lower number,” Councillor Bev Esslinger said Thursday. “That’s what we’ve heard from Edmontonians and I’m committed to trying to get us there.”
The 2019 proposed increase breaks down as follows:
- 1.7 per cent for police
- 0.7 per cent for general services, which is below inflation
- 0.6 per cent for Valley Line LRT
- 0.3 per cent for back alley and laneway upgrades
The budget covers 2019 – 2022 and the proposed tax increase drops each year after 2019.
In 2020, the proposed tax increase is 2.7 per cent, with police not taking as big of an increase. A flat two per cent-increase is proposed in both 2021 and 2022. During those years, police will see their increase rolled back to one per cent.
Public consultations will be held regarding the proposed budget, which still needs city council approval.
With files from Scott Johnston, 630 CHED.
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