Taxpayers should know how much their municipal governments spend
By Tegan Hill and Austin Thompson
Taxpayers should know how much their municipal governments spend. In rural areas, fewer people share the cost of roads, parks and emergency services.
However, high spending isn’t inevitable. Some rural municipalities managed to spend far less, demonstrating local choices about what services to provide, and how to deliver them, matter.
Next week, voters across Alberta will go to the polls to elect their local governments. Of course, while the issues vary depending on the city, town or district, all municipal governments spend taxpayer money.
According to a recent study, Grande Prairie County and Red Deer County were among Alberta’s highest-spending municipalities (on a per-person basis) in 2023.
Local choices about what services to provide, and how to deliver them, matter.
Author's summary: Taxpayers should be aware of municipal government spending.