HIGH RIVER, AB: The Town of High River 2015 Financial Plan was adopted by council at the Monday, Mar. 23 council meeting. The long-term plan will help guide the decisions of council and ensure sound financial management of municipal programs, services and capital infrastructure in the coming years.
“This plan will help align the Town’s strategic vision, services, and capital infrastructure needs, with available financial resources over the next ten years,” said Tom Maier, chief financial officer for the Town. “This is done through establishing financial principles and guidelines, as well as identifying long-term goals.”
Some of the key principles and goals of the financial plan include:
• Guiding the preparation of the annual budget process
• Sustainable infrastructure funding
• Maintenance and renewal of existing infrastructure
• Cost effective and efficient approach to service delivery
• Property tax levies and tax structure
• Financially sustainable growth and development
• Debt management
An important part of the plan is saving for the future maintenance, repair and replacement of the Town’s infrastructure and assets, which have an estimated value of roughly $500 million. It also looks at the services the Town provides to residents and ensures that they meet the community’s expectations, while continuing to be financially sustainable.
The 2015 Financial Plan will be reviewed and updated annually. It can be viewed online on the Town of High River website at www.highriver.ca under the Town Hall then Plans & Reports menu.