County approves interim budgets for 2026

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wheatland County approved both their interim operating and capital budgets during the Dec. 16 meeting, establishing an estimate for upcoming expenses next year, as well as cementing their ongoing priorities.

Operating costs cover the day-to-day services to residents and businesses throughout the jurisdiction of the county. The capital budget focuses on municipal assets and infrastructure such as local roads and water lines. 

The interim budgets, which are always approved in December prior to the end of a given year, outline services, programs, infrastructure, and other related costs the county can anticipate.

“It’s easier to reflect on the performance against that budget rather than leaving it as no number,” said Joel Chaisson, interim general manager of community and development services.

The final budget is in turn cemented in April in conjunction with annual property tax rates. Other details such as the province’s finalized educational tax requisition are also provided with the final budgets.

Residents and businesses located within the county receive their tax notices following the approval of the final budgets. In the meantime, with the approval of the interim budgets, tax increases are able to be anticipated and planned for.

The total operating expenses proposed during the Nov. 25 Committee of the Whole meeting, excluding amortization, was $56.4 million. Since then, the interim budget recommendation had been increased to $56.8 million.

Similarly, the initially proposed capital budget presented during the same meeting, $46.8 million was also increased to $48.4 million.

The majority of changes to the capital budget are in regard to ongoing capital projects carrying forward from 2025 into 2026.

“It’s an accounting practice to bring them forward. It allows us (administration) to show the budget in the next year and then we can reflect the actual cost against that, so it is easier to reflect on the performance against that budget rather than leaving it as no number,” said Chaisson.

Council had previously requested of administration an update regarding the current seasonal washroom facility located in Rosebud and what engineering for an all-season building would look like.

Dave Rimes, community services coordinator, explained acquisition of designs for a potential building, prior to any construction, would cost the county approximately $105,000. Administration has not proceeded further on the project discussion.

Several projects were noted by administration as possible to defer to a future year, including several road repair projects; however each year these are delayed, it was pointed out during the meeting, costs increase and conditions continue to degrade. 

Following Chiasson’s presentation, both interim budgets were approved by council unanimously.