Rocky View County council is deliberating over its 2021 budget for the next two days.

In its draft budget, RVC is calling for a $20.5 million reduction in expenditures, to $193,715,000 from $214,204,800, based upon forecasted revenue.

The largest forecasted decrease in revenues, approximately $11 million, is attributable to a reduction in reserve transfers which includes 2020 year over year carryforwards and one-time significant projects. The county is also forecasting a reduction in provincial government transfers of approximately $1.6 million. 

In preparing the budget, the county worked with an aggressive expense reduction target of 10 per cent. Additionally, costs increases, including additional policing costs and changed to the assessment model for oil and gas, added pressure to meeting this target.

A total of 15 projects worth $10.7 million have been included in the proposed capital plan for 2021. Besides investing to ensure the continued sustainability of assets and support for core service delivery, the capital program calls for improvements to outdoor recreational amenities, including playground improvements in Langdon and off-leash dog areas in Bearspaw and East Balzac. 
 
Of the $10.7 million in capital projects, $213,000 is tax-supported funding.  

Today, council is receiving presentations on all aspects of its operation. The final one centres upon its capital plan and Municipal Sustainability Initiative funding and is tenatively scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.

Tomorrow, Dec. 1, any left over presentations from administration will be presented, followed by the opportunity for public and council input.

The sessions are being streamed live by the county and interested residents are welcome to view the proceedings.