Community
Carbon Tax will cost Red Deerians $300,000 but 6 new staff will cost Red Deerians $583,250
The city of Red Deer has 1469 full time equivalent (FTE) employees earning 142.8 million dollars, so 1 FTE employee on average earns $97,209 each year. The city wants to hire 6 more FTE employees this year, costing $583,250 more in 2017.
The city’s population shrank by 1%, revenue is down but city wants to hire more staff. The city plans to cut back on projects, has fewer residents, yet feels the need to hire more staff. But the Carbon Tax will cost the city $300,000, and that is heard more often than the staff increases. That is pure PR.
The city has 1469 (FTE) employees, and any business of that size facing the same restraints and decreases would be laying off, re-assigning and cutting back. Why is that?
Personnel supposedly makes up only 40% of the operating budget, but if you dig deeper into costs it is even higher. If you had fewer employees, you would lease less space, have fewer phones, less maintenance, less cleaning, fewer computers, less stationary etc. and the opposite is true, more employees, more space, more phones, computers, stationary etc.
When will council, decide to take the walk of fiscal responsibility that they are always talking about. Perhaps it is time for an operational audit, at least consider zero-based budgets.
The city budgets are growing faster than either the cost of living or past population growth and faster than population growth and cost of living combined in any meaningful algorithm. Given that the population shrank by 1% and the cost of living increase came in at just above 1%, you would think the budget would not increase.
Population decline, and revenue decline means a lower debt ceiling and since the debt did increase for 2017, the city has fewer levers, but one of them could be a moratorium on hiring. Operations are fluid and that may not be the best option, but the city needs to look like it is trying.
Red Deer residents would really like to see some efficiencies incorporated and not just more of the same old blame game.
We know because you told us the province will expect $300,000 in carbon tax, but did you not say the province will be spending a 100 plus million on projects like the QE2 interchange, the airport, the college, nursing homes etc.
The provincial government is stepping up to the plate to help Red Deer, will you?
L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer
After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.
Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.
Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:
“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”
Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.
In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:
“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.
To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.
For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca
About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.
The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.
Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
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