A Shadow Budget That Works for You

There’s a lot of talk in this election about freezing the budget or rolling taxes back to 2021 levels. Then you hear the pushback: “That’s irresponsible, services will be cut, it can’t be done.”

The truth? We can reduce taxes and improve services.

Normally, municipal candidates don’t create shadow budgets. But with parties now entering Edmonton’s municipal elections, I expected at least one of them would. Working Families Edmonton backs a 6.4% tax increase. Better Edmonton wants 6.8%. And PACE? No alternative plan.

That’s why I created my own shadow budget.

Why My Shadow Budget Matters

This isn’t about wishful thinking—it’s about proving what’s possible when someone on Council actually reads the budget. I’ve proposed a 15.1% property tax reduction, knowing I won’t get every financial strategy through. Realistically, my goal is 0% tax increase this year while we identify responsible long-term savings.

This isn’t a “slash and burn” plan. My budget:

• Cuts waste (consultants, opaque grants, and organizations that use public funds for politics).

• Invests in services (more firefighters, better libraries, safer transit, stronger enforcement).

• Protects jobs—not a single one cut.

And that’s before factoring in mill rate corrections (a 9.1% cut), new assessment growth, or debt review. If all of that is included, the average homeowner could see up to 30% in tax relief.

Budget at a Glance

($000)

	2025 Budget	2026 Projected	Bale’s Proposal
Taxation Revenue	2,276,515	2,454,791	2,083,975
User fees, fines, permits	356,422	353,010	415,000
Franchise Fees	238,280	244,914	244,914
EPCOR Dividends	201,000	201,000	201,000
Transit Revenue	111,269	113,776	130,000
Transfers from Reserves	174,910	140,450	100,000
Other Revenue	137,057	139,406	182,000
Operating Grants	133,701	129,721	144,000
Investments & Dividends	114,450	116,055	116,055
Total Revenue	3,743,604	3,893,123	3,616,944

	2025 Budget	2026 Projected	Bale’s Proposal
Personnel	1,846,849	1,866,028	1,930,000
Materials, Goods, Supplies	259,286	266,979	228,411
External Services	449,742	529,620	350,000
Fleet Services	(29,924)	(30,224)	(30,224)
Intra-municipal Charges	86,607	85,423	85,423
Debt	406,195	448,371	406,195
Utilities & Other Charges	571,713	568,330	568,330
Transfer to Reserves	375,277	379,787	300,000
Intra-municipal Recoveries	(222,141)	(221,191)	(221,191)
Total Expenses	3,743,604	3,893,123	3,616,944

Key Revenue Changes

• Property Taxes: Cut 15.1% by diversifying revenue streams.

• User Fees & Fines: Boosted by enforcing laws at transit stations and encouraging development. The number I have increased revenue to is less than the figures we realized in 2019 and 2023.

• Transit Revenue: Modest fare drop + strong enforcement = ridership growth back to pre-COVID levels. The number I have increased revenue to is comparable to revenue realized prior to Covid and redesigning the network.

• Other Revenue: Economic action plan generates modest business fees + real estate breaks even.

• Operating Grants: Recognizes the Grants in Lieu of Taxes program promised by the Province.

Key Expense Changes

• Personnel: More firefighters, more library staff, extra council support staff, and increased EPS funding tied directly to improved public safety. (+150 jobs, no cuts.)

• Materials & Supplies: Frozen at 2022 inflation-adjusted levels—no more runaway increases.

• External Services: Major cut to consultants and political grant recipients. Funds redirected to a citywide job creation program (~13,000 jobs).

• Debt: No new borrowing in 2026. Current Council’s approved debt is unavoidable, but we can push back projects not yet locked in.

• Reserves: Replenished responsibly without the “save now, spend immediately” cycle.

Why This Matters

When a party candidate comes to your door, ask:

• Where’s your shadow budget?

• If an independent candidate can build one, why can’t you?

• Will you put in this much work once elected?

I’ve worked in City Hall before. I know how much effort it takes, and I’m ready to do the work. While others cut ribbons, I’ll cut taxes. While the incumbent says her job isn’t to make anyone happy, I say lowering taxes and raising services makes everyone happy.

What This Means for You

The average homeowner would save about $1,250 in the first year compared to the status quo. That’s real money back in your pocket—while still improving the services you rely on.

If you support this plan:

• Share it with your friends and neighbours.

• Donate what you can—every contribution funds volunteer support, flyers, and signs.

• Volunteer your time if you can’t give financially.

Election day is less than a month away. I’m the only Ward Karhiio candidate offering real tax reductions, service increases, and a proven work ethic.

On October 20, vote Jason BALE.