Strathmore budget deliberations continue
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Budget discussions for the Town of Strathmore are in full swing with the first resolutions having been approved during the Nov. 20 meeting.
The overall strategy of the budget, as presented by administration, aims for stable and predictable municipal tax rates, as well as maintaining service levels for amenities across the municipality.
As it is currently written, the budget proposes a 2.8 per cent municipal property tax increase, which is supported by a 1.8 per cent growth in Strathmore’s tax base. A one per cent increase represents approximately $180,000 in revenue for the town.
The total property tax increase proposed is 13 per cent. This higher overall figure is due to the 20 per cent education requisition collected on behalf of the province and is outside of Strathmore council’s control.
Overall, the 2026 budget has an operating impact of $44,246,100, annotated before business cases and postponed motions, and the capital budget has an impact of $8,721,000.
Coun. Claude Brown motioned for council to support the allocation of $30,000 in the operating budget to conduct a feasibility study about the creation of a sound wall adjacent to Glennwood.
He cited that residents have been complaining about noise and raising safety concerns regarding crossing the highway in that region.
“My goal with tonight’s budget is to work to try and get it down as low as possible and I think $30,000 extra for a feasibility study is just something I am not going to support at this time,” said Coun. Brent Wiley.
Brown’s motion was ultimately defeated in a vote of 6-1 against.
Several community groups received specific funding approval, including $10,000 to STARS, $40,000 to the Wheatland Society of Arts, $394,600 to the Municipal Library Board, $30,000 to the Happy Cat Sanctuary, and $11,000 for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10.
Additionally, $5,000 was to be budgeted for the Christmas Hamper Society, $5,000 for the Celebration of Lights, $10,000 for the Kristian Ayoungman Foundation, $5,000 for the Strathmore Youth Theatre Company, $5,000 for the Strathmore Performing Arts Festival, $3,300 for the Hope Bridges Society, $4,000 for the Happy Gang, and $2,500 for Foothills Advocacy in Motion.
Council also directed administration to develop four-year operating agreements with STARS, the Wheatland Society of Arts, the Municipal Library Board, Happy Cat Sanctuary, and the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society.
This is intended to provide both stability and consistency for each respective group regarding their funding, as well as to allow new council members one year of experience each term before revisiting the funding agreements.
“It would allow community groups more predictability as to what their funding would be year-to-year as well as it would allow council to have a better sense of what our budget item lines are going to be to help support these amazing groups,” said Wiley.
“I do believe that this will be an improvement for community groups in their experience with dealing with the town, and in accessing and receiving funding. I think they will see an expedited process, as well as clearer guidelines on applications,” said Coun. Melissa Langmaid.
At the start of 2025, the town’s operating reserves totaled approximately $3.5 million. This was anticipated to drop to $3.2 million by the end of the year due to commitments including economic development activities, and physician sponsorship grants.
Council is aiming to approve the budget in its entirety on Dec. 3, which will satisfy conditions outlined in the Municipal Government Act.