Red Deer County councillors unanimously approved the 2013 budget during their regular meeting Dec. 18.
Administration received no comments when the budget was tabled for public input at council’s Dec. 4 meeting.
“In summary, this is a very achievable and fair budget,” said Heather Gray, Red Deer County’s director of corporate services.
The tax rate will not be set until spring, when more data is available, according to a press release.
Expected capital spending of more than $26 million next year is a significant drop from the past year’s expenses, which totalled more than $42 million.
The decrease reflects the amount of work completed in 2012, due to several projects held over from 2011 because of bad weather.
According to the release, over $15 million will be spent on road projects in 2013.
“I just want to say that I believe that Red Deer County is in a very strong financial position,” said Mayor Jim Wood.
Next year’s operating expenses are expected to be over $39 million.
“This is just the first step in getting into our next year’s budget process and determining taxes,” said Councillor David Hoar.