(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Municipal spending

City of Lacombe approves 2025 budgets

Nov 14, 2024 | 3:57 PM

Lacombe city council has given approval to the city’s 2025 capital budget, operating budget, and the 2025-2034 capital plan.

The capital budget includes 22 projects with an anticipated cost of $10.7 million.

The budget funding includes $2.5 million from grant funding, $4.9 million from reserve fund withdrawals, $1.8 million from other sources, and $1.6 million from debentures.

The complete list of projects for the capital budget can be found on Lacombe.ca but some key projects include the Fairview Cemetery expansion ($600,000), Cranna Lake Trail repair ($200,000), ball diamond upgrades ($425,000), new fire station ($2.25 million), fire ladder truck replacement ($650,000), 76 Street road upgrades ($900,000), 2025 capital works ($2.37 million), and 2025 active transportation projects ($428,000).

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“The 2025 capital budget allows council to fund essential infrastructure in Lacombe,” said Mayor Grant Creasey.

“The projects in this budget are all critical investments, ensuring Lacombe continues to grow and thrive. By prioritizing these essential developments, we are laying the groundwork for a prosperous future for our community.”

In terms of the 2025 operating budget, it was approved at $49.4 million but includes a 2.86 per cent tax increase.

However, officials say the increase is below council’s original direction of 3.2 per cent and aligns with their commitment to keep increases below the Consumer Price Index.

In 2025, the average utility bill for water, wastewater, and solid waste will increase 5.6 per cent.

The total outstanding debt for the city of Lacombe was $22.7 million as of December 2023. The debt currently stands at 35 per cent of the limit imposed through the Municipal Government Act.

The budget includes $834,549 in grant funding to partnering agencies including Lacombe & District FCSS ($103,108), Connex Operating ($119,100), Heritage Resources Committee Grant Funding and Operating Program ($30,000), Lacombe & District Historical Society ($82,500), Lacombe Regional Tourism Operating Grant ($60,000), Lacombe Days Operating Grant ($35,000), Mary C. Moore Public Library ($359,841), and Lacombe Performing Arts Centre Foundation ($45,000).

“The 2025 operating budget reflects our commitment to keeping tax rate increases at or below inflation while continuing to maintain the services which matter most to our residents,” Creasey added.

“Council’s approach to tax rate increases ensures our community can continue to grow and prosper sustainably.”

In the 2025-34 capital plan, the estimated total capital expenditures are $105.7 million.

The sources of funding for the plan includes $22.6 million from debentures, $21.1 million in grants, $6.3 million in outside sources, and $55.7 million in reserve withdrawals.

Top projects include the fire station building which will start in 2024 with a total cost of $8 million.

The fire ladder truck replacement will cost $2.65 million and will replace tower one which was bought back in 2005.

The roads renewal program, which includes work to maintain overall conditions of roadways and new growth, will cost $16.2 million over the next 10 years.

Pumphouse D, which is meant to support additional water storage, will cost $11.68 million.

In addition, $10 million has been put aside for a new regional recreation centre but the total cost is unknown.

They’ve also have accumulated $2.5 million for a replacement of City Hall.

“The 2025-2034 capital plan outlines large capital expenses upcoming for the city of Lacombe,” Creasey said.

“This organic document allows council to plan and prioritize investments strategically, ensuring Lacombe residents continue to enjoy the high quality of life they are accustomed to.”

For more information, visit the City of Lacombe council agenda from Nov. 12.