OkotoksOnline
Claresholm Town Council approved the 2025 Budget during the April 14 Regular Council Meeting.
The operating budget totals $9.27 million, with a 6.17 per cent municipal tax increase.
The hike is due to rising operational costs, service demands, and investments in community infrastructure.
Contributing factors to the increase include inflation costs for materials, insurance, utilities, and contracted services, staffing for Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), and Economic Development, which were previously funded through grants.
The total capital expenditures are budgeted at $3.7 million, with 62 per cent funded through grants, 35 per cent funded from reserves, and the remainder from other sources such as minimal tax funding.
“Budgeting responsibly means making tough decisions, and this year’s increase reflects the real costs of maintaining the high level of service our community expects and deserves,” said Mayor Brad Schlossberger.
“We remain committed to ensuring Claresholm stays a welcoming, forward-looking place to live, work, and raise a family, and this budget is a step toward that continued vision.”
Budget highlights include infrastructure investments, with over $2 million allocated to water and sewer projects, along with accessibility improvements at the Community Centre, Centennial Park playground equipment replacements, and upgrades at Moffat Park.