Health care, schools and roads top capital spending as more bucks flow to Alberta’s regions

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Capital projects – the stuff you can see, touch, use repeatedly, walk through or even drive upon — will account for $26.1 billion in provincial spending over the next three years, the Alberta government estimates in a deficit budget released last Thursday. For regions beyond the two major cities, the question is, How many … Read more

Over half of Albertans struggling with daily expenses

By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Goodbye, Alberta advantage. Half of the province says they are struggling to keep up with daily expenses amid cost-of-living crisis. According to a recent Statistics Canada survey, 51 per cent of Albertans say rising costs are greatly affecting their ability to meet day-to-day expenses, more than in any other province and six points higher … Read more

Property tax rates go down, but increased assessment may mean an increase in taxes

By Rob VogtProperty tax notices went out last week.Tax rates will go down for ratepayers in the Town of Claresholm but taxes will still increase an average of 3.7 per cent for residential properties and one per cent for non-residential properties because assessment has increased due to inflation.The 2024 rates will see a 7.4 percent decrease in the residential municipal … Read more

Council approves $112,500 to complete skatepark

By Rob VogtClaresholm town council has approved an out-of-budget expenditure of up to $112,500 to complete the skatepark located south of the town office, to be funded by Local Government Fiscal Framework capital grant funds.The decision came at council’s May 13 meeting, after Chief Administrative Officer Abe Tinney updated them on the situation.He explained site preparations have begun for skatepark … Read more

Tax rates decrease, but increased assessment may mean increased taxes

By Rob VogtTax rates will go down for ratepayers in the Town of Claresholm but taxes will still increase an average of 3.7 per cent for residential properties and one per cent for non-residential properties because assessment has increased due to inflation.The 2024 rates will see a 7.4 percent decrease in the residential municipal rate from 2023 and a 2.6 … Read more

Council approves final 2024 town budget

By Rob VogtAfter some adjustments, Claresholm town council has approved the 2024 town budget.Blair Bullock, the town’s director of corporate services, presented the budget at the April 8 council meeting.He noted there have been some changes since council approved the interim budget.Changes to the operating budget include:• The addition of a new special tax levy proposed to fund current and … Read more

Feds, province extend deadline for drought livestock assistance

By Rob VogtThe federal and provincial governments have announced they are extending the deadline to Feb. 22 to apply for drought livestock assistance to help producers maintain breeding herds.A Jan. 25 news release states the 2023 Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance initiative is extending the application deadline, as well as expanding eligibility to 23 new regions. Funding for this joint AgriRecovery … Read more