BONNYVILLE – The Town of Bonnyville’s council presented an in-depth overview of the proposed 2024 operating and capital budgets during an open house held on Dec. 5, revealing strategic plans, achievements, and ways to reduce the projected deficit.
Key takeaways from the current draft budget include a proposed 15 per cent increase in insurance premiums and a two per cent increase in property and utility taxes. The town’s expenses are up $1.2 million from 2023, including $75,000 for upgrades to the curling rink, $1.5 million to expand the library, and $375,000 to upgrade the Centennial Centre.
The open house discussed council’s Strategic Plan, outlining the priority areas: economic growth, recreation and wellness, communications service excellence, and value-added services.
With the economic growth priority, the Rural Alberta Entrepreneur Immigration Program, the Alberta Rural Renewal Stream, local trade fairs, and the approval of a tax incentive bylaw aimed at promoting development, were highlighted.
The Recreation and Wellness priority showcased investments in the community, such as donating to the Baptist Church for their disc golf course, adding an agility course at the dog park, a grant application for a future aquatic facility, and continuing trail lighting along Jessie Lake.
Value-added services included installing banners on Main Street for community groups, a grass pickup program, no-charge sewer snake services to address residential sewer backups, and spring and fall cleanup programs.
Council also outlined updates to the Strategic Plan, professional development opportunities for Town staff, and innovative activities like “duck races” organized during hydrant flushing.
The presentation during the open house explained the significance of property taxation as the foundation for municipal services and its impact on the quality of life. Moreover, the multitude of services funded by property taxes, from essential ones like roads and policing to community well-being services like parks and recreation centres, were emphasized.
Draft budget overview
Revenue and expenses:
Expected revenue of $30.3 million
Total expenses of $31.5 million
Budget deficit of $1.2 million
Major expense categories:
Protective services: 32 per cent
Public works: 29 per cent
Recreation: 18 per cent
General municipal services: nine per cent
Council and legislative services: seven per cent
Planning and development: two per cent
Culture: three per cent
Factors affecting the 2024 budget:
15 per cent increase in insurance premiums.
Two per cent salary and benefits increase based on union contract.
Increase in community organization requests by $550,000.
Police, Fire, and Emergency Services:
Net cost for policing: $1,868,198.
Net cost for fire services: $618,355.
Net cost for 911 services: $170,609.
EMS services managed by BRF, with revenue received for rental of the building.
Other departments:
Disaster services: net cost of $23,000.
Occupational health and safety: net cost of $159,854.
Bylaw enforcement: net cost of $197,260
Public Works and Transportation:
Public works administration net cost: $638,346.
Transportation department costs: $2.4 million
Water distribution expected revenue: $28,166.
Wastewater distribution expected revenue: $659,498.
Solid Waste Department expected revenue: $342,635.
Community services and programs:
FCSS total revenue in 2024: $745,126.
Family Resource Network funding: $193,300.
Library net cost: $190,538.
Curling Club net cost: $18,135.
Recreation and parks:
Recreation Department net cost: $1 million
Swimming pool net cost: $323,742.
Parks Department net cost: $282,463.
Recreation programming department net cost: $121,522.
Budget deficit reduction options:
Two per cent increase in utility rates.
Two per cent increase in property taxes.
Reduce community organization requests.
Use operating reserve funds.
2024 Capital Budget
- Total capital budget expenditures: $39.5 million
- Deficit of $19.1 million
- Options for deficit reduction include deferring certain projects
Some of the project deferrals could include the future library expansion, infrastructure replacement on 52 Avenue and 62 street, traffic light installation, and adding left-hand turn markings on 46 streets. In total, these deferrals would save an estimated $9.75 million.
No questions were asked by any of the audience members during the town hall, which was also available to view virtually. The proposed budgets will undergo further scrutiny and revisions before final approval in the coming months.
