By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

key highlights

Lacombe County council passes 2025 operating and capital budgets

Dec 4, 2024 | 8:41 PM

Lacombe County council has approved the municipality’s 2025 capital and operating budgets.

The county notes the focus was on maintaining fiscal responsibility while also continuing to deliver high levels of service.

“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.”

The 2025 operating budget, approved at $81.8 million, includes:

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• 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.

The 2025 $28.6 million capital budget is up just shy of 24 per cent. Just over 50 per cent is sourced through funds set aside in prior years through the capital replacement plans.

Investments include:

• 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.

Approval of the tax rate bylaw will occur in the spring.