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Message from CFO
The budget process is a complex and multi-step process that takes a significant part of a year, in addition to regular monitoring, analysis and reporting to Council on results. It is a collaboration between Management, Financial Services and all City departments.
Administration started the process of developing the 2023–2026 operating and 2023–2027 capital budgets after Council set their priorities for the term. These priorities build the foundation of the City’s budget for the coming years.
To do this, we investigate and analyze past and current trends, determine service alignment with priorities and develop a budget that meets the needs of the community and the priorities of Council. We solicit feedback from the community and stakeholders, as well as Council to ensure that the budget being developed aligns with expectations.
Council deliberates on the 4-year budget annually, adjusting as desired, and providing final approval of the first year, with the remaining years approved in principle.
With the onboarding of a new Council, Administration prepares 4-year business plans, outlining what each department will do to support Council’s strategic priorities for their term. These business plans define the services and levels of those services provided to residents and operations, as well as projects and initiatives that will be taken on over the next four years.
The budget is created around these levels of service, projects and initiatives as defined in the business plans. The 2023–2026 operating budget is what Management has determined necessary to provide continued services, as well as invest in additional projects and initiatives. Preparing the operating and capital budgets was exceptionally challenging this year, with lingering revenue pressures from COVID-19, limited tax base growth, higher inflation rates and increased contractual obligations. The budget before you demonstrates Management’s commitment to aggressively face these challenges headon by continuously reviewing how we provide services to citizens, ensuring effective results with responsible use of tax dollars.
The 2023 operating budget requires a 1.71% increase in municipal taxes, which is equivalent to $2,100,000; it takes an optimistic assumption that with Management’s focus and dedication, we will succeed in bringing revenue back to historic levels. Additionally, the continuous improvement of service delivery and an organizational re-alignment in September of 2022 will allow us to find ways to offset rising costs and focus our efforts on mitigating revenue pressures, the attraction of new businesses, and amenities to increase growth. This budget promotes quality of life for residents and visitors, with a concentration on events, transportation and infrastructure, parks and green space enhancements, and safety. This commitment to Council’s strategic priorities provides investment that makes Grande Prairie a community in which our residents love where they live.
Danielle Whiteway CPA, CA
Chief Financial Officer
