Campaign to Re-elect Gael MacLeod, Ward 4 Councillor

Update from City Council

2012 - 2014 Budgets and Business Plans Approved

In November 2011, after an unprecedented 7 days of deliberations, City Council approved the 2012- 2014 business plans and budgets. I believe we took a balanced and reasonable approach to a challenging situation.

I’ve always said city budget decisions must be about more than just taxes and spending. Council’s decisions are fundamentally connected to the type, quality and levels of municipal services the residents of Calgary want.

The services provided by the City impact every aspect of our daily quality of life, including water, roads, police and fire services, transit, waste water processing, garbage and recycling collection, city parking, sports facilities, libraries, parks, bylaw enforcement – all funded through our city budget.

The budget process started over a year ago and included monthly strategic planning sessions, a review of core services, and citizen consultation sessions that allowed for broad input before decisions were finalized.

I want to thank all Calgarians who gave us their input on services, values and priorities during this process (Our City, Our Budget, Our Future) and those who made formal presentations to council.

In the end, I looked at all the information, listened to Calgarians and made my decisions based on what I believe will best address the needs of Ward 4 residents and our city - now and into the future.

The approved budget will result in property tax rate increases of 6.0% in 2012, 5.7% in 2013 and 6.1% in 2014 or monthly increases of approximately $6.60, $6.60, and $7.50, respectively for an average home in Calgary.

I encourage you to visit the city website for more information on the approved 2012 -2014 Business Plans and Budgets. My office is also available to answer any questions you have. Please contact my Community Assistant at 403-268-3727 or alcaw4@calgary.ca.