BONNYVILLE - The Town of Bonnyville approved its 2024 Interim Operating and Capital Budgets on Dec. 12, which will likely result in a two per cent tax increase, and a four per cent increase to utility and garbage fees.
The two per cent increase reflects about $36 a year for an average family home. And the four per cent increase in utilities is about $1.85 to $6 a month for residents, which is dependent on consumption usage.
To balance the Operating Budget, which is set at $23.3 million, $444,037 will be taken from the General Operating Reserve. A few changes were made to a previous draft operating budget that had been presented to the public during an open house earlier this month.
A Bonnyville & District Chamber of Commerce request for funds was reduced to $22,500, which accounted for a reduction of $6,000.
The Bonnyville Health Foundation request was increased to $27,500, up from $21,000 which includes the Town being a presenting sponsor for the Bonnyville Health Foundation Gala.
The Bonnyville Primary Care Network request for the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Collaborative will remain at $25,000, which is the same amount provided in 2023.
The Stepping Stones Society request for a capital donation for the new Cold Lake building has been removed, which reflects a $500,000 reduction.
The Lakeland Female Development Camp request has also been removed from the budget, which results in a $4,000 reduction.
An increase in bylaw contracted costs to hire contracted bylaw enforcement is being included in the budget, reflecting a $50,000 increase.
A decrease in economic development promotions will also take place, removing the “Business of the Month” Program, which is a $15,000 reduction.
The 2024 budget will be finalized in the spring.
“It is understood that prior to the finalization of the Tax Rate Bylaw in May of 2024, there will be adjustments that will be required to reflect the 2023 year-end as well as any changes between now and April 30, 2024,” reads information presented to council.
“It is anticipated that prior to the finalization of the Tax Rate for 2024, that the Municipal Tax dollar increase will not be more than two per cent as per council direction,” reads the information.
Capital budget
The 2024 Interim Capital Budget was also presented during the Dec. 12 meeting.
That budget was also revised after the budget open house that was held on Dec. 5.
“Administration recently reviewed the capital projects and reprioritized non-critical capital projects to include the proposed Aquatics Facility construction in 2024 and 2025. Grant funding revenue in the amount of $11 million has been included in anticipation that the application that was submitted for this project will be successful,” reads information presented to council.
“A revenue line has also been added in the amount of $9.3 million for funding the portion of the new Aquatics Facility not covered by the Grant. A funding plan is currently being developed, with a variety of options for council’s consideration, to complete the Aquatics Project.”
When asked about construction of a new swimming pool by Lakeland This Week, Mayor Elisa Brosseau says the current facility is old and is continuously in a state of requiring repairs.
“The benefit of a new pool would enhance the facility in the municipality for residents,” says Brosseau.
Several non-critical projects have been deferred to 2025, including storm trunk upgrades, library expansion, installation of traffic lights, 50th Avenue left hand turn markings at 46th Street, and more.
