The County of Paintearth council approved its 2025 Operating and Capital budgets at their Dec. 10 regular meeting, setting $16.9 million for operating expenses and $8.2 million for capital projects.
The $16.9 million operating budget includes $2.2 million in revenues, $482,000 from the operating surplus and a $15.9 million tax levy – a seven per cent increase over 2024.
Key operating expenditures in the 2025 budget include $300,000 allocated for broadband costs to enhance connectivity across the county.
Other notable investments are $52,000 in agricultural education grants to support learning opportunities, $60,000 for licensed practical nurse bursaries aimed at addressing rural healthcare shortages and $72,000 for agri-class programs designed to benefit farmers and ranchers.
“These programs aim to prepare youth for agricultural careers and alleviate the rural healthcare worker shortage,” said Reeve Stan Schulmeister.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michael Simpson emphasized the value of agricultural education.
“Kids who get the dual credit stream or earn a certification before graduating can have a four to five year head start compared to peers,” Simpson said. “This policy contributes to future prosperity.”
Simpson also clarified that most ratepayers would not face a seven per cent increase in individual taxes unless they had made substantial property improvements, as new linear tax revenues from renewable energy projects offset some of the cost.
“We’re timing spending with new revenues and grants to minimize tax impact,” Simpson said, adding, “Council understands the pressures of inflation and higher costs faced by taxpayers.”
Capital budget
The $8.2 million capital plan prioritizes several significant projects, including $3.5 million for a fibre-optic network initiative, which will be funded from reserves and potentially bolstered by provincial and federal grants.
Additionally, $1.7 million is earmarked for the replacement of two graders to maintain the County’s six-year equipment replacement cycle.
The plan also includes $763,000 in grant-funded water and sewer upgrades in Halkirk and $500,000 to prepare industrial lots at Crowfoot Crossing for future development.
“We’re entering year two of major construction projects,” Simpson said. “From broadband to industrial development, we’re making investments aligned with long-term planning.”
The County allocated $1.7 million to capital reserves for road maintenance, equipment replacement and emergency services.
“This avoids unpleasant tax spikes and creates certainty for taxpayers,” Schulmeister said.
Halkirk integration
Halkirk’s dissolution into the County brings $275,038 in tax revenues and $640,355 in operational expenses. The County will also begin addressing Halkirk’s $10-million infrastructure deficit, starting with a $768,000 grant-funded water and sewer project.
“Council prioritized hearing from Halkirk residents directly,” Schulmeister said, referencing a November public engagement session. “We’ve incorporated their feedback into plans for infrastructure repairs and community improvements.”
Reeve Schulmeister highlighted the County’s resilience amid economic challenges.
“This budget showcases a staff and council hard at work implementing new capital projects and adjusting to realities like the absorption of Halkirk into the County as part of the Division 4 family,” he said.
“I know all of the council welcomes our new ratepayers, who are also our friends.”
It was noted that the County plans to balance immediate needs with long-term growth through targeted spending and careful planning.
“When it comes time to set the 2025 tax rate, we want to show residents that we’ve kept their interests in mind,” Schulmeister said.
Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia reporter
ECA Review
