Wheatland County Council Approves 2024 Final Budget
On April 2, 2024, Wheatland County Council approved both the 2024 Capital and Operating Budgets. The 2024-2026 Operating Budget includes a 3.0% municipal property tax revenue increase.
Despite the challenges posed by inflation, Wheatland County Council remains committed to affordability and fostering economic growth to keep municipal tax increases to a minimum. In 2023, the average residential property paid $1,354 in taxes. Due to growth and development in the County’s non-residential tax base, the average residential property is expected to pay $30.39 more in 2024, representing only a 2.2% increase.
Recent analysis, illustrated in the accompanying graphs, demonstrates how our tax rates compare favourably to the trend of rising inflation. At Wheatland County, we understand the impact of rising living costs and are dedicated to fiscal responsibility and providing essential services to our community.
Wheatland County Council is pleased to announce the approval of the Operating and Capital Budgets for the 2024 fiscal year. Council and Administration have meticulously reviewed the budget to ensure its alignment with Wheatland County’s Strategic Plan. Wheatland County strives to maintain a balanced approach to spending, ensuring effective management of assets and strategic investment in infrastructure to facilitate growth while safeguarding financial stability. Overall, the budgets prioritize fiscal responsibility and strategic investment, aiming to deliver quality services to both residents and businesses within the County.
– Reeve, amber link
Outlined below are some highlights and a summary of budget allocations. The final Operating and Capital Budgets are set at $69.7 million and $39.9 million, respectively.
2024 Final Budget Highlights:
- $8.4 million – Goldfinch Raw Water Supply
- $3.9 million – TWP 234 Overlay Paving (from HWY 24 to HWY 817)
- $3.0 million – West Highway 1 Water Source
- $2.1 million – County Broadband Project
- $2.0 million – TWP 230 Reconstruction (from RR 194 to HWY 56)
- $1.9 million – Bridge File 79522 (NW-26-22-26-4)
- $1.7 million – Bridge File 08638 (SW-18-25-24-4)
- $1.4 million – TWP 280 Reconstruction (from HWY 21 to RR 244)
- $1.0 million – Muirfield – Wastewater Lagoon
- $410,000 – Multiuse Pathways (Muirfield and Gleichen)
- $350,000 – Digital Transformation Initiative
- $100,000 – Increase of funding for the Wheatland Community Fund
*Please note that the 2024 Final Budget Highlights are approximate values.
2024 Capital Budget Summary:
- $11.9 million – Water
- $6.5 million – Equipment/Fleet
- $6.2 million – Public Works – Bridges
- $5.3 million – Public Works – Paved Roads
- $5.1 million – Public Works – General Construction & Road Maintenance
- $1.8 million – Sewer
- $1.1 million – Public Works – Hamlets
- $707,205 – Community Services
- $532,000 – Agricultural Service Board
- $230,000 – Facilities
- $172,000 – Fire
- $164,600 – Administration
- $100,000 – Waste Management
- $40,000– Water – Muirfield
- $30,000 – Storm Drainage
- $11,220 – Cemetery
*Please note that the 2024 Capital Budget Summary are approximate values.
In addition to the budget overview provided above, Wheatland County would like to highlight two distinct budgetary matters.
Firstly, there is an obligation to pay around $900,000 for RCMP policing costs to The Province.
Secondly, the Provincial Ministry of Education mandates that all municipalities in Alberta collect education funding through a distinct formula that The Province provides. In 2024, Wheatland County is required to collect $10.8 million towards its Education Requisition through property tax billing. This is an amount that will be collected and directly remitted to The Province.
Please view the detailed 2024 Capital and Operating Budget reports below.
Approved Final Operating Budget 2024-2026 Approved Final Capital Budget 2024-2028