Strathmore Town Council heard a report from town administration about the 2025 budget during a recent meeting on Wednesday (Nov. 6).
Strathmore's Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Scoble mentioned the current budget is just a proposed report until it can be approved in December.
According to Scoble, the town proposes a property tax increase of 4.5 per cent, and a utility rate increase of 4 per cent.
The budget will address six strategic priorities for 2025 including affordable living, financial sustainability, intentional community development, climate resiliency and environmental stewardship, economic development, and community wellness.
Scoble mentioned operating costs in 2025 will be $35.98 million, $9.31 million in capital, and $3.4 million in reserve funds.
In 2024, operating costs were $36.2 million, capital of $7 million, and reserve funds were $2.5 million.
Scoble says he's proud of the reduced debt the town has been able to bring in over the past four years.
"In 2020, the debt was $21.2 million, and I'm pleased to say that this number has been reduced to $13.9 million in 2024."
Leana Ashbacher, senior manager of financial services says the town is projecting a 4.5 per cent increase in total taxes for 2025.
Utility costs will increase by 6.8 per cent to a proposed 4 per cent hike.
The report mentioned the highest costs for the town are salaries, wages, and benefits at $14.4 million, a 3.3 per cent increase compared to 2024.
The town's RCMP contract for 14.5 members is projected to be $2.85 million.
"I'm very proud of our administration and what they've done here to keep this very reasonable. This is not a spending budget," says Councillor Brent Wiley.
According to the town, the final budget will be given to council on December 4.