Clearwater County council successfully concluded two days of productive budget deliberations on Dec. 6 and 6, 2023.

The approved 2024 operating and capital budgets, along with the four-year financial and 10-year capital plans approved on December 6 and 7, are said to reflect the diligent efforts of the County’s dedicated staff, which officials say devoted countless hours to analyze County programs and services.

Reeve Michelle Swanson said, “This budget underscores our commitment in addressing the challenges posed by inflation while meeting the evolving needs of our community.”

County officials note, the 2024 operating budget comprises operating revenues totaling $62,513,392 and operating expenses of $51,713,665 (not including $23,500,000 of amortization).

Additionally, $4,500,545 of restricted funds are allocated for operations. The capital budget is said to involves capital revenue of $10,849,300 and capital expenses totaling $40,366,896, with $29,517,596 of restricted funds allocated for capital projects.

Key highlights of the proposed 2024 capital projects include:

• Leslieville Recreation Area: $701,000 to complete.
• Nordegg Development Plan Projects: $4,059,000
• Asphalt Overlay: $5,584,000
• Bridge Replacements and Rehabilitation: $7,535,525
• Beaver Flats Road Grading: $3,000,000
• Gravel Road Rehabilitation: $4,938,000

According to the County, the 2024 budget and its anticipated 2 per cent tax revenue increase, are to be achieved through a combination of tax rate and assessment base adjustments without unduly burdening rate payers.

Notably, the estimated $4 million surplus from 2023, constituting 3.7 per cent of the overall budget (capital: $59 million, operating: $48 million), has been earmarked for priority projects identified during strategic planning sessions, say County officials.

Meantime, a shift in the allocation process, with council identifying priorities during deliberations, is hoped to ensure a transparent and strategic distribution of surplus funds. Officials say approximately $1.5 million was reallocated from the tax rate stabilization fund, subject to revision pending financial statement completion.

Final assessments will not be available until spring of next year. At this time council will set the property tax rate for the 2024 fiscal year.