Your City, Your Dollar: 2023 Budget Engagement

Survey

Between June 13 and August 8, 2022, the City of lloydminster sought feedback from residents through an interactive online survey. Based on the 2022 residential mill rate, survey participants were able to:

• add their 2022 property assessment value to see how increasing or decreasing service levels could affect potential 2023 taxation rates;
• draft, edit and submit a budget and compare against anonymous submissions; and
• engage with other respondents through the feedback left on responses

This year's budget survey also included a trails and sidewalks component. As the City of Lloydminster plans the improvement of Lloydminster’s trail and sidewalks network in 2023, resident feedback will impact how this work is completed.

Ultimately, it is City Council’s decision to approve the municipal budget that outlines the service requirements of the city. The budgetary process is repeated annually to ensure services are adequately met and that the community’s voice is heard and considered. Thank you for submitting your vote to be able to influence City Council’s decision! Come back to this page to view the What We Heard Report that summarizes the 2023 Budget Survey findings.

What is the municipal budget?

The municipal budget prioritizes projects, programs and service levels based on anticipated revenues and expenses for the next calendar year. Essentially, the budget is a carefully prepared document to which outlines spending allowances while ensuring there are adequate funds available to support the municipal services for the community.

How to fund the prioritized projects, programs and service levels is a challenging task that requires consideration of several factors, including the impact to ratepayers, the development of fair and equitable user fees and the evaluation of reserve balances. As outlined in the Lloydminster Charter, any shortfall of revenues at the end of the calendar year must be covered by a draw from reserves as the City must present a balanced budget.

How are services funded?

Pre-planning the sources of revenue ensures there are no interruptions in service delivery for the community. Grant opportunities are maximized to reduce the dependence on the ratepayer. Similarly, user fees capture revenue from the individuals and organizations that use City amenities. Whereas, municipal taxes fund general operations that benefit the entire community as a whole.

The municipal taxes fund essential services discussed throughout this Your City, Your Dollar survey, such as transportation, recreation and other municipal services. Educational taxes are established by the provincial governments (Alberta and Saskatchewan) to support public and catholic school operations. The seamless educational taxes are unique to Lloydminster and enable both school divisions to offer Alberta and Saskatchewan students the same curriculum and a seamless experience.

Learn more about how your taxes are broken down on this year's Tax Notice graphic.