WOODLANDS COUNTY –Woodlands County has approved its interim budget for the upcoming year.
The 2025 operating budget total revenue is $35.5 million compared to the 2024 operating budget revenue of $34.5 million.
The 2025 capital projects budget is estimated at $11.1 million which is an increase over the 2024 capital projects budget at $10.9 million.
Dennesha Ferguson, director of corporate services, presented the Interim 2025 capital and operating interim budgets that council approved at the Woodlands County Council Meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 18.
“Council directed administration to use a 4.5 per cent for assessment based on the current levels that we had,” said Ferguson.
“We went back, and we worked those numbers into the budget.”
The highlighted factors that affected the 2025 budget versus the 2024 budget were discussed in Ferguson’s presentation to council.
There was a decrease in interest and investment income budgeted at $333,000.
The total revenues estimates projected an increase of 3 per cent over the 2024 budget amount equalling $977,000.
Materials and goods show an increase of $309,000.
Budgeted supplies increased by $167,000. Salaries, wages, and benefits, including a three percent cost of living increase, showed total amounts are estimated at $760,000.
Office equipment and minor assets saw an increase of $188,000.
Advertising and promotion are estimated to increase by $67,000 for the year.
Operating budget revenues reported $31.6 million coming from municipal property taxes, pending 2025 assessment values.
Councillors asked for clarification on the percentage numbers used to estimate the 2025 interim operating and capital budget.
Ferguson outlined how her team is comparing actuals to report the most accurate estimate percentages to use for budgeting.
Woodlands Council approved the 2025 interim operating and capital budget.
They directed Administration to go ahead with planning and execution of the 2025 capital projects and operational projects, including the 2025 new initiative hires.
Woodlands County administration applies for grants to provide some external funding contributions for the capital projects estimated at $1.7 million.
There is $4.2 million in external funding from debenture estimated in the budget.
