Cindy Jefferies

This document outlines the process for The City of Red Deer Electric Utility to determine the rates charged for electric energy to its Rate of Last Resort (RoLR) customers for the period of January 2025 to December 2028. The plan details the adoption of the Regulated Rate Tariff (RoLR Rate) for two distinct two-year periods, the procedures for filing the rate with the Council, and mechanisms for reopening the plan due to adjustments or changes in law, ensuring a transparent and compliant framework for energy price setting.

The meeting commenced with housekeeping items, including the suspension of parts of the procedural bylaw to allow for a more creative conversation regarding budget matters. The council accepted public comments submitted on Friday into the corporate record. The city manager provided an overview, introducing key administrative staff, including the new Chief Financial Officer. The key themes discussed involved council's direction used to prepare the budget binder, focusing on financial stewardship, economic development (including a move to an arms-length economic development model), community safety and well-being, and community acumen. The presentation detailed the six key points guiding the 2026 budget preparation, emphasizing the need to balance the budget without depleting reserves, limiting expense increases to inflationary factors plus 1-2% for reserve replenishment, and using windfall revenue exclusively for operating reserves. Furthermore, the context of historical property tax increases, noting volatility, was reviewed, and strategies like multi-year budgeting were suggested for future stability.

The meeting involved continuing deliberations following previous budget sessions. Key discussions centered on business arising issues, including a resolution concerning Sunny Brook Farm. The resolution sought to ensure the organization, due to its historical and heritage value, receives 2027 direct operating grant funding outside of the competitive Culture Development Fund (CCDF). Council debated the need for administrative collaboration with Sunny Brook Farm and whether city representation on its board was appropriate, noting that the relationship differs structurally from other funded entities like the Red Deer Museum or Westerner (WHIS). Further discussion addressed the Central Alberta Crime Prevention Center (CPC), focusing on reviewing their 2026 action plans, CPC funding sources, synergies with neighborhood watch groups, and contingency planning should the CPC cease operations. Financial details regarding ongoing operational support for various local organizations, including the Red Deer Symphony, Central Alberta Theater Society, Red Deer Culture Heritage Society, and the Red Deer and District Museum Society, were reviewed and presented for context.

This document serves as the City of Red Deer's Performance Dashboard, reporting on the progress made in 2024, which marks the halfway point of its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. It outlines achievements and ongoing efforts across key strategic areas, including financial responsibility, environmental commitment, local economic development, downtown vitality, public infrastructure management, digital advancement, workforce health, collaborative social challenge response, community inclusivity, public safety, quality public spaces, community connection, positive customer experience, strong public trust, and data-informed decision-making, all aimed at building a vibrant, connected, and thriving city.

The council meeting included discussions and resolutions for citizen representatives appointed to various committees, quasi-judicial boards, and external societies, including the policing committee, and the housing and homelessness integration committee. There were discussions regarding vacancies in the Municipal Planning Commission, Mayor's Recognition Awards, Family and Community Support Services, Riverbend Golf and Recreation Society board, and the Red Deer Tribunals. The council also discussed the Public Art Commission, Red Deer and District Family and Community Support Services Board, the Library Board, the Red Deer Regional Airport Authority Board, and the Redear Downtown Business Association Board of Directors Appointments. Additionally, there was a conversation about the approval of council meeting dates for 2026, including a discussion about a scheduled meeting on December 22nd and the possibility of a public hearing on that day.