WESTLOCK – Westlock County council met Dec. 2 and 3 to go over its 2025 draft operating budget, proposing a total of $21.1 million an increase of 1.33 per cent from last year's operating budget of $20.9 million.
This increase comes as inflation continues to impact the cost of services and operations across the country, with the Canada-wide consumer price index (CPI) reported at two per cent but the county’s increased expenses only being 1.33 per cent, General Manager of Corporate Services Faraja Amanda told council.
“This is a balanced budget,” he said, adding that to balance the budget administration recommends reducing the amount the county transfers to reserves, which are at the minimum level required by the Municipal Government Act.
“Administration has gone through it tooth and comb trying to save the county dollars and maintaining the same services,” said Amanda. “Inflation is hitting everybody across the country. Inflation has to be managed but it’s still a challenge to us in terms of trying to balance the budget.”
Chief Administrative Officer Tony Kulbisky described the operating budget as “pretty much status quo as last year.”
The 2025 budget aligns with the county’s recently completed three-year strategic plan, which sets the direction for future growth and sustainability. The strategic plan is built around four key pillars: economic strength and viability, investing in built and natural environments, welcoming for all, and organizational excellence.
The proposed budget breaks down into several key expenditure categories, with the largest portion, 44 per cent, allocated to infrastructure services. Corporate services will account for 27 per cent of the budget, while 14 per cent is earmarked for planning and community services, and 13 per cent for legislative and protective services. Elected officials’ costs is 2 per cent.
The county’s revenue generation for 2025 will rely heavily on municipal taxes, which are expected to contribute 55 per cent of total revenue totalling $11.5 million. Conditional grants of $1.9 million. are anticipated to cover 9 per cent of the county’s financial needs.
The county will also work on recovering outstanding taxes, said Amanda.
Council is expected to approve the formal budget in January.
Westlock County spans 2,189 square kilometres and is home to nine hamlets including Busby, Dapp, Fawcett, Jarvie, Nestow, Pibroch, Pickardville, Tawatinaw, and Vimy. With a population of more than 7,220 residents, the county provides a variety of essential services to support its communities.
