Lacombe County Council approves 2025 operating and capital budgets

During the November 29, 2024 budget meeting, Lacombe County Council adopted the County’s 2025 operating and capital budgets. Each year, Lacombe County Council and Administration meet to establish priorities that align with the County’s Strategic Plan and multi-year operating and capital plans. For 2025, Council’s focus was on continuing to deliver high levels of services to our ratepayers while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

“The 2025 budget reflects Council's commitment to maintaining service levels and addressing the needs of our community,” said Michael Minchin, Director of Corporate Services. “Council voted to approve the capital and operating budgets for 2025, recognizing the challenges posed by inflation and ensuring that the County’s operations are managed efficiently.”

Each year, Council works through the complex task of managing resources to balance present needs and future growth.

“During our budget meetings, we have carefully considered the economic challenges and the needs of our community. This budget is a balanced approach to maintaining high service levels while planning for future growth,” said Reeve Barb Shepherd. “Our 2025 budget reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility and our dedication to providing consistent, high-quality services to our residents. We are focused on ensuring that Lacombe County remains a vibrant and thriving community, meeting the expectations of our ratepayers.”

2025 Operating Budget

The $81.8 million operating budget ensures the continuation of existing service levels with key adjustments for inflation and strategic initiatives. Highlights include:

• An estimated net cost of $54,000 for the 2025 municipal election, held every four years.
• An additional $30,000 in funding allocated to community FCSS programs to support local needs.
• Implementation of a new funding agreement with the Town of Blackfalds for fire services in the Blackfalds Fire District.
• A $154,240 increase to the recreation capital assistance reserve, ensuring future recreation projects with urban partners are supported.
• A 3% inflationary increase to maintain recreation and cemetery facilities countywide, except where agreements apply.
• Continued investment in asset management, including an infrastructure locating project in the Hamlet of Mirror to assess underground utility conditions.
• Initiation of a water servicing study for the Hamlets of Morningside and Tees.

2025 Capital Budget

The $28.6 million capital budget focuses on essential infrastructure improvements and asset management, representing a 23.91% increase from 2024. Of the $28.6 million in capital spending in 2025, $14.51 million (50.75%) is sourced through funds set aside in prior years through the capital replacement plans. Key investments include:

• Significant road paving projects, including upgrades to Range Road 2-4 on the southwest side of Sylvan Lake.
• Utility infrastructure projects totaling $3.6 million, featuring the $3.46 million Tees Reservoir and Truck Fill Station to enhance water services.
• Continued funding for bridge replacements and maintenance, recreation facilities, and equipment upgrades to meet community needs.

About the budget process

It is important to note that Council is not formally approving the 2025 tax rates in adopting the budgets. There are two stages in setting the budgets:

• Stage 1: Developing and approving the operating and capital budgets each year in late November or early December. Approval of the 2025 budgets authorizes the County to incur expenditures and conduct its operations commencing January 1, 2025. The budgets are based on preliminary property assessment information and estimated requisition levies.
• Stage 2: Approving the 2025 tax rate bylaw in April or May, which will establish the current year’s property tax rates by property type and give the County authority to prepare and issue property tax notices. This occurs in the spring, after the Province sets the property tax levy for education purposes and when property assessment values have been confirmed.