Strathmore budget proposes 6.9 per cent municipal tax increase

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Strathmore homeowners could face higher property taxes next year as council considers a proposed 2027 budget that balances rising costs with saving for future infrastructure work.

Administration presented the proposal at the Nov. 4 regular council meeting outlining a 6.9 per cent municipal property tax increase. Including the provincial education requisition, the estimated overall increase was 7.3 per cent.

That combined figure could change. Administration told council a recent provincial announcement affecting education taxes would require the town to recalculate its estimate before budget deliberations.

For the standard detached home used in the presentation, the proposed overall increase would mean approximately $295 more a year, or $24.60 a month. Individual tax bills will depend on property assessments and the final approved budget.

“The 2027 proposed budget is about finding the right balance between affordability today and financial sustainability for the future,” the town’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Kevin Scoble told council.

The proposal includes $48.44 million in operating spending and $5.60 million in capital spending, according to the agenda summary. Administration described operating funding as increasing moderately, with less capital spending and a greater emphasis on reserves compared with 2026.

Scoble said departments had examined expenditures closely to find savings. 

“These budgets are lean and leave little room for unforeseen pressures,” he said.

Among the pressures identified were higher water purchase costs from Calgary, employee compensation and an expected increase in the town’s share of RCMP contract costs.

Proposed wage and benefit spending would rise 7.8 per cent, including a 2.5 per cent cost-of-living adjustment and step increases for eligible employees.

Administration also expects the town’s share of RCMP contract costs to rise from 70 to 90 per cent as its population passes 15,000. Money set aside in previous years would begin being drawn from reserves in 2027 to soften the tax impact.

Infrastructure maintenance is another consideration. 

“Our infrastructure is like a car with 160,000 kilometres on it,” Scoble said.

Some repairs must be addressed next year, while other expenses are approaching further down the road, council heard. Administration pointed to those future needs in explaining the proposed emphasis on reserves.

The Nov. 4 presentation introduced the budget for information. Council did not approve it.

Residents will have an opportunity to discuss the proposal with council at a Citizen Budget Cafe scheduled for Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. in council chambers. Administration said residents unable to attend could submit questions in advance and a recording would be posted after the session.

Budget deliberations are scheduled for Nov. 17 and 24, with Nov. 25 available, if needed. The final budget is expected to come before council Dec. 2.