Ponoka town council approves 2025 budget

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“We dropped the municipal portion of property taxes to 1.25 per cent to reduce the impact that the province’s 10.8 per cent increase in education tax will have on Ponoka ratepayers,” explained Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson.

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He explained they’re required to collect the provincial education tax bill annually, which is then sent directly to the Alberta government.

The 1.25 per cent increase in the municipal portion of property taxes equates to an annual increase of $10.95 per $100,000 of assessed property value for residential properties and $14.29 per $100,000 of assessed value for commercial properties.

“An increase in property assessment values across Alberta for residential and non-residential properties will also impact property taxes this year,” said CAO Lund, explaining that property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of each property. “That amount will be higher or lower depending on the property and numerous factors such as property size, location, age and condition.”

The town also plans to invest in key infrastructure projects which includes:

• Highway 53 Corridor Improvements – The Town of Ponoka has partnered with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors to complete improvements and rehabilitation of Highway 53 (between Highway 2A and 38 Street) in Ponoka. Improvements will include new pavement and concrete repairs; intersection improvements including traffic lights at 46 Street; a new multi-use trail from Highway 2A to 38 Street; new streetlighting; new wayfinding signage; and renaming the highway to Rodeo Drive in recognition of Ponoka’s 89-year rodeo history and the Ponoka Stampede, the Town’s largest tourist attraction. Construction on the highway improvements is expected to begin this summer and be completed in 2026. The project is being funded by Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors, the Town’s Off-Site Levy Reserve and a debenture through the Town’s Borrowing Bylaw.
• Community Safety Initiatives – The Town of Ponoka has expanded its Community Peace Officer (CPO) program with a second officer being hired this year. The focus of the program is on crime reduction, crime prevention and community safety.
• Ponoka’s Annual Pavement and Concrete Improvement Program – Includes annual maintenance and improvement of Town roadways and sidewalks throughout the community. • Waterworks System Improvements – The Town of Ponoka asset management program is expanding to include a full inspection of the storm sewer system and maintenance where needed. The program includes sanitary sewer system inspection and maintenance, ongoing equipment rehabilitation and replacement at Town pump stations and reservoirs to ensure optimum operational efficiency and reliability of the system. The program also includes extensive planning and analysis for future improvements to the Town’s Wastewater Treatment System, including a future sanitary trunk main replacement.
• Ponoka Aquaplex Upgrades – Includes extensive upgrades to the changerooms and replacement of the pool filters to ensure ongoing optimal water filtration and operational efficiency at the facility.
• Skate Park Expansion – Construction of the expanded multi-use skate park is expected to be completed and open to users this summer.
• New Cemetery Software – Includes user-friendly maps that will make it easy for citizens to find loved ones at the local cemetery and to share photos and stories on the software to celebrate memories of their loved ones.

The 2025 Budget also aligns with the results of the Town’s annual public consultation process.

That process included Coffee with Council events, an online Budget Open House and a Citizen Input Survey that invited Ponoka citizens to give their input on top priorities they wanted council to consider in the budget.

The top three priorities as pointed out by local residents includes community Safety, parks and Recreation, and infrastructure.

“Citizen input is an essential part of the budget planning process,” added Mayor Ferguson.