As we build this budget, we are facing many of the same financial pressures as households and businesses across Red Deer. Costs are rising, and revenues remain tight. That means this will be another lean budget year – one where we prioritize maintaining existing infrastructure and delivering essential services like public safety, roads, parks, and recreation. 

We know the decisions we make today shape the future of our community. This year, that means making tough choices and ensuring every dollar we spend delivers value for residents. 

What to Expect 

This year’s budget will: 

• Focus on core municipal services and critical infrastructure 
• Emphasize maintenance over new growth 
• Reflect our commitment to fiscal accountability and efficiency 

No major new projects or service expansions are planned at this time. 

Understanding the Budget: Where Your Tax Dollars Go 

Creating a municipal budget means balancing the services our community expects with the funding available to deliver them. 

To help you better understand how The City’s budget works, we’ve created resources that explain: 

• Where City revenue comes from (did you know property taxes only account for only account for 40% of The City's revenue)
• How your tax dollars are spent 

These tools can help you see how every dollar contributes to services like police, fire, road maintenance, parks, transit, and more. 

Key Milestones 

• August 27 – Utilities Budget released to public and Council 
• September 2 – Utilities Budget debate in open Council 
• November 24 – Operating and Capital Budget released to public and Council 
• December 15-19 – Operating and Capital Budget debate in Council 

More information will be shared as details become available. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged through our website and social media channels.