Claresholm town council approves 2025 budget

By Mickey Dumont Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A $9.27 million 2025 operating budget was approved by the Town of Claresholm Council at its April 14 meeting.
The approved 2025 final budget includes a 6.17 percent, or $239,088, increase over 2024.
A total of 6.17 per cent is the increase to the municipal $4,120,467 tax-funded portion of the budget. That is a 16 percent increase over the $3,881,379 million in the 2024 tax-funded portion.
The actual tax increase on your bill will not be known until the council passes its new tax bylaw. A new tax, or mill-rate, bylaw is expected to be presented at the council’s April 28 meeting.
“Budgeting responsibly means making tough decisions, and this year’s increase reflects the real costs of maintaining the high level of service our community expects and deserves,” said Mayor Brad Schlossberger. “We remain committed to ensuring Claresholm stays a welcoming, forward-looking place to live, work, and raise a family, and this budget is a step toward that continued vision.”
According to its 2024 audited financial statements, also approved at the April 14 meeting, the town council continues to remain fiscally responsible.
Much of the 6.17 percent increase is due to changes in net salaries and benefits; inflationary increases across the board for materials and supplies; the phase-out of the Settlement, Integration and Language Projects (SILP) grant funding, of approximately $300,000 beginning in 2023 and ending in March 2025; and the addition of a new transfer to capital reserves for recreation facilities for $50,000, accounting for 1.288 per cent of the overall tax support increase.
SILP grant funding supports projects that contribute to Alberta’s economic recovery by strengthening a diverse and inclusive workforce and supporting communities to attract, welcome and retain newcomers.

The council has implemented the reserve transfer following the 2024 Recreation and Cultural Facilities Survey. Within the survey, the council had proposed the addition of a reserve transfer in the amount of $360,000, approximately a 10 percent increase to taxes in 2025.
“Upon review of the survey results, council made the decision to move forward with implementing the recreation transfer, but at a lower amount with gradual annual increases in an effort to ensure manageable and consistent tax increases,” the town said in a post-budget-approval press release.
“While an increase is necessary, (town) administration is aware that council remains mindful of the economic pressures faced by residents and businesses in Claresholm. However, the town is also facing the same inflationary influences in addition to its operational requirements, and capital needs, which has resulted in the tax support increase requirement for 2025.”
“Unfortunately the cost of doing business keeps going up and the province keeps downloading onto us, so we have to increase income,” explained Schlossberger.
This adjustment comes as the town navigates rising operational costs, continued service demands, and strategic investments in community infrastructure. Contributing factors to the increase include inflation-driven costs for materials, insurance, utilities, and contracted services. In addition, staffing for Family and Community Support Services and Economic Development – previously funded through now-expired grants – will now be supported through municipal funds.
The town is also taking a $30,000 hit in insurance premiums in 2025.
“That’s one of the big ones,” Claresholm Chief Administrative Officer Abe Tinney said. “In 2024, the town paid $170,000 in insurance premiums and will pay approximately $30,000 more in 2025. The town’s building assets were reassessed at a higher value. That’s a pretty significant hit for a budget our size.”
Included in the 2025 financial plan is a new $50,000 capital transfer, earmarked for the future development of recreational and cultural facilities. This initiative, which represents 1.288 percent of the total tax increase, reflects the council’s dedication to supporting active lifestyles and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
In addition to the operating budget, the council has also approved the 2025 capital budget for $3,727,705.
Within the budget, the capital projects are primarily funded by provincial and federal grants including community-accessed grants (62.98 per cent) and transfers from municipal reserves (35.28 per cent) with a small percentage, 1.74 per cent funded through other sources.
The capital projects are driven by the necessity to add, maintain, repair or replace infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life or is no longer meeting the demands of the community. While also ensuring infrastructure remains safe, efficient, and capable of supporting future growth and development. When developing the capital budget, the administration evaluated asset conditions, highlighting priority projects that will aim to extend the life of town assets, reduce operational risks, and improve service delivery.
“These figures reflect the town’s ongoing efforts to maintain a fair and balanced approach to taxation, while still ensuring necessary investments are made in infrastructure, services, and future growth,” Schlossberger said.
“Despite the current economic uncertainties, the 2025 budget prioritizes maintaining essential municipal services and infrastructure while taking measured steps to ensure long-term sustainability.
“Town council and administration took a careful and collaborative approach in preparing this budget, fully aware of the financial challenges facing many residents and businesses. The process was guided by a commitment to fiscal responsibility and the desire to maintain the livability and vitality of Claresholm.”
For detailed information about the 2025 operating and capital budgets or to view detailed property tax charts, please visit www.claresholm.ca.