Council approves interim operating, capital budgets

By Rob Vogt
Claresholm town council has approved the town’s interim 2026 operational budget and 2026 capital budget.
The decision came at council’s Dec. 8 meeting after a presentation by Jennifer Place, the town’s director of corporate services.
The interim 2026 operating budget forecasts total operating revenue of $9,609,357 and total operating expenses of $9,604,357.
Place noted the proposed 2026 budget includes an anticipated 7.109 percent increase in tax support.
That is total additional amount in taxes to be collected, totalling approximately $292,000.
Place reported much of this increase is driven by changes in net salaries and benefits, a new debenture payment amount, and increases to reserve transfers. While an increase is necessary, administration is aware council remains mindful of the economic pressures faced by residents and businesses in Claresholm.
However, the town is also facing some of the same inflationary influences in addition to its operational requirements, and capital needs, resulting in the proposed budget increase.
It was also noted the 2026 budget discussions will continue in the new year as the town receives additional information from the province and other organizations on potential grants or additional revenues and expenditures invoiced as well as some funding requests.
The 2026 final budget will be passed in the spring of 2026 in conjunction with receiving the final property tax assessments and setting of the 2026 tax rates.
The total capital budget for 2026 will be just over $4.5 million.