Residents Want Spending on Most Services to Stay the Same

Leduc residents share budget feedback with City Council

Results from the 2025 Budget Planning Survey show residents want spending for most services to stay the same next year as it was this year. 

When asked about their preference for cutting services to minimize property tax increases the community was split – with 39% supporting a decrease in service to minimize tax increases next year, while 38% opposed this approach. However, when asked about which services to cut, the majority identified they wanted funding to remain stable.  

In total, 657 residents weighed in on this year’s survey, which ran from April 29 to May 31, to share their perspective on what the City’s fiscal priorities should be in the upcoming year’s municipal budget.  The survey is statistically representative of Leduc citizens. 

“Hearing from so many residents helps us make decisions that reflect the needs of the whole community, so we appreciate all those who shared their input in this year’s budget survey,” says City of Leduc Mayor Bob Young. “The results tell us the community is split on service levels and the impact on taxes, but one thing everyone prioritizes, including Council and Administration, is responsible financial stewardship and finding efficiencies.” 

Key Survey Results: 

• Survey participation increased by 31% this year compared to 2023. 
• 59% of respondents felt they receive good, very good or excellent service value for taxes paid. This figure decreased 10% from last year. 
• When presented with four tax strategy options: 
• 30% of respondents prefer taxes to be maintained by cutting services.  
• 21% of respondents prefer taxes increase to maintain all existing infrastructure and services.  
• 17% of respondents prefer taxes to be reduced by cutting services. 
• 17% of respondents prefer taxes increase to fund growth needs, infrastructure maintenance and improve services. 
• Respondents supported an increase in variable spending for Family & Community Support Services (FCSS), Fire and Ambulance Services and Enforcement Services.  
• Respondents supported a decrease in variable spending on Cultural and Community Development, Transportation and the Leduc Public Library. 
• 64% of respondents did not know 25% of their tax bill is collected by the City for the provincial education fund and Leduc Housing Foundation. This amount is outside of the City’s control. 

“The annual budget survey plays an important role in setting our priorities, so achieving such strong participation rates puts us off to a great start,” says City Manager Derek Prohar. “Survey participants have given us clear priorities that – alongside our other input sources – will help us develop a municipal budget that reflects the best interests of our community for the coming year.” 

The annual budget survey is conducted by a third-party firm who then shares the results with City Council and Administration for their consideration in developing the budget. Other sources of data that can contribute to decisions about the municipal budget include subject matter expertise from city departments, legislative requirements, and fluctuations in material costs and availability. 

Additional opportunities to share your opinion! In addition to the survey, residents who want to share their opinions about budgetary priorities with Council can do so by speaking/emailing directly with members of council (council@leduc.ca), registering to speak during public commentary at a regular meeting of council, and participating in Public Budget Commentary during budget deliberations when they are held in the fall.