Photo courtesy of the Town of Rocky Twitter page.
The Town of Rocky Mountain House Council has adopted the 2025 operating and capital budget.
The operating budget was approved in the amount of $28,042,892 and capital budget of $5,827,100 and includes a 2 per cent increase in property taxes.
“Similar to all municipalities in Alberta, council faced steep inflation and other challenges with this budget,” said Len Phillips, Acting Mayor. “In the operating budget, this is especially noticeable in the rising cost of utilities necessary to operate town facilities and materials for maintenance of our critical infrastructure.”
Despite the challenges, it’s important that the organization continues to plan ahead to position the town for opportunities.
“That’s why we are also investing capital funds in design work for a civic building, a recreation centre expansion, and land use planning so we can act quickly when grant opportunities become available,” said Phillips.
The operating and capital budgets will advance council's Strategic Plan goals, with a continued focus on economic growth through development incentives and the rural renewal stream program.
Related stories:
The 2025 operating budget includes revenues of $9.9 million from property taxes and $3.8 million in operating grants.
Property tax rates will be set in the spring. Each assessment class will see slightly different increases, with 1.91 per cent for residential, 2.10 per cent for non-residential commercial, and 2.16 per cent for non-residential large business properties.
Operating expense highlights include $4.3 million for protective services, $6.4 million for utilities, $2.2 million for transportation, and $4.6 million for recreation and culture.
The cost of local governance is projected at $373,871 and includes $20,000 for the General Municipal Election on Oct. 20.
Expenditures will increase in protective services by $282,083 due to increased rates for RCMP; transportation by $177,256 due to higher costs for road and equipment repairs and supplies; utilities by $736,730 due to the completion and operationalization of the mechanical wastewater treatment plant, and in recreation by $163,713 due to a staffing increase and higher maintenance costs for the arena and pool.
Council also set 2025 fees, rates and charges that include an increase in water and wastewater, and a decrease in residential solid waste fees.
The new utility rates will take effect on April 1. Water and wastewater rates for the average residential property will increase by $16.82 per month.
Capital projects for the year total $5,827,100.
One of the largest projects for 2025 is $800,000 for a water main replacement at Highway 11A and 60 Street.
Other large-ticket items include a new grader for $825,000 and a loader for $140,000.
Recreation and parks projects will total $700,000, including a new disc golf course, trail expansions, playground and ball diamond #5 upgrades.
Work is also continuing on the $30 million wastewater treatment plant, as a carry-over project from 2023. The plant will come online in 2025, replacing the town’s lagoon system.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@centralalbertaonline.com.
CentralAlbertaOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the CentralAlbertaOnline app.