Clearwater County’s draft 2026 budget anticipates a five per cent increase in tax revenue over 2025.

The increase in tax revenue doesn’t necessarily mean a five per cent tax increase, says Rhonda Serhan, financial services manager.

Extra revenue can come from increased assessment, increased government grants, interest earned on investments, and many other streams, she says.

Overall, the budget proposes $76.9 million in operation revenues, up from $74.2 million in 2025.

The county is ending 2025 with an additional $7 million surplus — due mostly to an increase in investment returns and lower expenses throughout the organization.

A number of items are alleviating pressure on the future budget, including the county’s lapsing contributions to Rocky’s wastewater treatment plant, which is set to come online soon.

Also, contributions to the Rocky Gas Co-op’s natural gas line to Nordegg project were funded through the 2025 operations and subsequently decreases the 2026 budget over 2025.

However, downward pressure on the budget is coming as local community halls look to increase safety and protect infrastructure.

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In the budget, some funds have been allocated to aid in the search for a new chief administrative officer (CAO) for Clearwater County in the new year, as Rick Emmons’ contract expires in May.

Emmons says he will work closely with the new council after budget season to ensure the transition to a new CAO goes smoothly.

Revenue for public works is set at just over $2 million; a three per cent increase over 2025.

Director Kurt Magnus indicated that costs in many departments increased in 2025, while some — such as dust suppression — decreased.

Notably, there was a large 91.7 decrease in Nordegg operations, as the natural gas project is wrapping up, and contracted services will no longer be required.

However, there is a 414.6 per cent increase in Caroline wastewater system, as contracted services, and purchase of materials and supplies is set to ramp up.

Council is also considering funding requests for capital projects from public works infrastructure, ag services, corporate services and emergency services.

That includes the county’s ongoing Fleet and Equipment Replacement & Maintenance Policy, which seeks to maintain a fleet of loaders, packers, skid steers, landfill dozers, graders, tractors, excavators and more — all in a fiscally responsible manner.

“Administration understands the difficult position this council is in coming into new jobs, new seats, and being presented a multi-million dollar budget one month later that doesn’t represent this council’s priorities,” said CAO Emmons.

Council is set to give final approval to the budget on Dec. 19.