'I ❤️ SG' Conversation Series Topic #20- Sound Financial Management
- Erin Stevenson
- Sep 16
- 3 min read
Spruce Grove Councillor Erin Stevenson is proud to launch her campaign for a third term under the banner “I ❤️ SG”—a positive, community-focused message reflecting her deep commitment to the people, places, and possibilities that make Spruce Grove special.
Sound Financial Management for a Strong Future
Financial stewardship is one of the most important responsibilities of municipal government. Residents expect high-quality services, reliable infrastructure, and sustainable growth—all while keeping taxes fair and affordable. As part of her “I 💙 SG” campaign for a third term, Councillor Erin Stevenson is reflecting on the City’s track record of responsible financial management, and how to prepare for the challenges ahead.
Watch the video:
LOVE: Recognition and Stability of Financial Management
Spruce Grove’s commitment to financial transparency and excellence has been recognized at the national level. In 2023, the City received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Triple Crown Award for its Annual Report, Popular Annual Financial Report, and Budget Presentation. Only five municipalities across Canada earned this recognition.
“Winning the Triple Crown is about more than awards,” Stevenson says. “It shows our dedication to producing high-quality financial documents that are clear, accessible, and understandable for residents.”
Spruce Grove also maintains the third-lowest municipal tax rate in the region, behind only Fort Saskatchewan and Strathcona County, both of which benefit from heavy industrial tax bases to help subsidize their budgets.
The City’s debt levels are well within safe limits. In fact, Spruce Grove operates under a self-imposed debt limit that is half of what the Province allows. This conservative approach reflects years of prudent fiscal management by past and current councils.
Reasonable, incremental tax increases have ensured Spruce Grove keeps pace with growth and maintenance needs without falling behind. “No one loves taxes,” Stevenson admits. “But we’ve kept increases small, steady, and fair—enough to sustain services and invest in the future, without burdening residents.”
Alongside fiscal discipline, the City has implemented strong policies, including an Investment Policy, Fiscal Strategy, and Reserves and Accumulated Surplus Policy. Annual tax notices also include clear breakdowns of how your property taxes are spent, helping residents see exactly where their money goes.
IMPROVE: Communicating the Full Picture
Even with this success, Stevenson acknowledges that property taxes can still be confusing for residents. One source of frustration is the education tax, which municipalities collect on behalf of the Province.
“Many residents think increases come from us, when in fact the largest hikes on tax bills are often from the provincial portion,” she explains. “That’s why we continue to advocate through Alberta Municipalities (ABMunis) for the Province to collect their own education taxes.”
Stevenson also believes the City can do more to communicate the value of municipal services. “For every dollar you pay in taxes across all levels of government, only six cents go to your local municipality,” she notes. “And yet it’s cities like ours that provide the services residents rely on every single day—roads, parks, fire, recreation, utilities. We need to highlight that better.”
NEXT: Preparing for What’s Ahead
Looking forward, Stevenson stresses the importance of planning for uncertainty.
“If a recession hits Canada, we need to be prepared to pivot,” she says. “Good governance means anticipating challenges and making sure we have the flexibility and resilience to adapt, while continuing to deliver services and maintain stability.”
For Stevenson, sound financial management is about more than balancing budgets—it’s about trust. “When residents know their city is financially responsible, they have confidence in our future. That’s the legacy we’re building in Spruce Grove.”
Share your thoughts with Erin and connect with her on social media and don't forget to use the hashtag #IHeartSG. Show Erin support in her re-election campaign by requesting a lawn sign (request form is at the bottom of every webpage).
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