WHEREAS the Government of Alberta is again projecting a significant surplus of revenues for the current fiscal year (for the 10th consecutive year);AND WHEREAS the cumulated surplus before debt reduction over this period exceeds $20 billion;AND WHEREAS the primary source of revenue for rural municipalities is property taxes;AND WHEREAS Albertas rural municipalities are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain infrastructure and provide services from an assessment base whose owners are faced with economic uncertainty;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties engage in a renewed effort to promote the need for reinvestment of surplus provincial revenues for the provision of municipal infrastructure and services.

A significant source of revenues received by the provincial government is generated from taxation and royalties related to the sale of oil and gas. Unfortunately, an increase in the price of these commodities translates into increased costs for municipalities without any offsetting increase in revenue received.Further, as the approaching centennial celebration for Alberta nears in 2005, an initiative which shares the wealth received from the provinces resources with municipalities would offer much needed relief for municipalities who have been forced to foot the bill for selected services that were previously provided by the other levels of government.

The AAMDC has no resolutions currently in effect with respect to this issue.