Taxpayers' Right to Know
Tegan Hill and Austin Thompson argue that taxpayers should be aware of their municipal governments' expenditures.
In rural areas, the cost of roads, parks, and emergency services is shared among fewer people. However, high spending is not inevitable, as some rural municipalities have managed to spend significantly less.
This disparity demonstrates that local choices about service provision and delivery matter. For instance,
Grande Prairie County and Red Deer County were among Alberta’s highest-spending municipalities (on a per-person basis) in 2023, according to a recent study.
As voters in Alberta prepare to elect their local governments, it is essential to consider the spending habits of their municipal governments.
Author's summary: Taxpayers have right to know municipal spending.
- Local governments' spending varies
- Rural areas face unique challenges
- Some municipalities spend less than others