Red Deer’s 2026 budget was finalized by city council at a late-night meeting on Tuesday, and residents will see their property taxes raised by 3.97 per cent.

Coun. Kraymer Barnstable noted it’s a “drastic drop” from the 7.36 per cent tax hike initially proposed by city administration.

“People said, ‘We want a lower tax rate increase, we want sustainability, we want predictability and that steady-as-you-go approach,’” said Mayor Cindy Jefferies.

“Affordability in our community is important, and so council heard that and recognized the pressures people are facing — and businesses are facing.”

Last year, council approved a 10.35 per cent property tax hike, one of the largest increases in two decades.

The Red Deer Chamber of Commerce had sent an open letter to council to express its disap

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