Lloydminster City Council has not approved a 3.9 per cent tax increase.
That figure, which is only a proposed increase, was widely circulated around social media earlier this week. It came from the draft 2026 operating and capital budget presented to council earlier this week. The proposal remains unapproved until a final vote later this month.
The draft outlines a 3.9 per cent property tax adjustment, with about three per cent of that tied directly to protective services. That includes the city’s RCMP contract, the new fire-service staffing model, and municipal enforcement and 911 operations.
Protective services driving most of the increase
Executive Manager of Corporate Services Adele Wakaruk said the draft reflects the city’s effort to keep increases moderate while maintaining essential programs.
“This budget protects core services like police, fire, roads, and utilities while keeping increases as low as possible,” said Wakaruk.
Protective services make up the largest portion of the proposed increase and are described as necessary investments to sustain community safety.
Director of Public Safety Andrew Degruchy told council the cost per RCMP member has risen from $232,000 in 2025 to $246,000 in 2026, adding roughly $249,000 to the city’s policing contract. Lloydminster currently budgets for 58 RCMP positions, with the average number of officers on duty gradually climbing as vacancies are filled.
“We’re seeing more members on the ground,” said Degruchy. “That’s what residents expect, and it directly contributes to safer neighbourhoods.”
The city’s new fire-service model, launched mid-2025, also requires a full-year allocation in 2026. Administration estimates the model adds about $1.2 million annually to maintain 24-hour coverage and modern equipment.
“This ensures consistent response and safety across all hours of operation,” said Degruchy, noting the model has already improved readiness and reduced response gaps.
Inflationary pressures remain low
Outside protective services, the remaining 0.9 per cent of the proposed increase covers inflationary costs across other departments. That level sits below Alberta’s 1.9 per cent inflation rate and near Canada’s 2.2 per cent national average.
Council will continue deliberations through November, with a final budget vote scheduled in the coming weeks.
Until then, no rates or increases have been approved.
“This is the start of deliberations, not the end,” said Wakaruk. “Council will determine what changes, if any, are made before the budget is finalized.”
The full draft budget document can be found here on the city’s website.
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