The County of Paintearth has approved a new budget heading into 2024.
Under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act, Municipalities are required to pass an operating budget every year. This operating budget gives administration authority to spend money on operational expenses as required.
The county’s 2024 operating budget will see operating costs of just over $15 million, with revenues of just over $2 million and debt interest of around $10,000.
Finishing 2023, the final capital budget saw capital expenditures at just over $8 million and capital revenues of just under $4 million with just over $550,000 raised from the sale of assets.
Just under $4 million was drawn from the county’s restricted surplus.
The 2024 budget also will see just over $1.3 million transferred into a restricted surplus for future capital equipment replacement.
The 2024 budget was approved in a motion by Coun. George Glazier.
As part of budget planning processes, municipalities are also required to develop three- and five-year financial plans on an annual basis.
The three-year operating financial plan will see the county operating costs reach a high of $15 million in 2024 before stabilizing just above $14 million by 2027.
In the five-year capital plan, the county is expecting to spend around $1.9 million in 2025, $2.5 million in 2026, $1.2 million in 2027, and $990,000 in 2028 on capital replacements and upgrades.
“I think its a good reach into the future with what we have to deal with,” said Coun. Maurice Wiart, motioning to approve the three- and five-year plans.
Playground
A group from Coronation is currently fundraising to construct a new inclusive playground at Coronation School.
The proposed playground will have a rubber-matting surface to assist with mobility needs and ensure a level surface for those who use wheelchairs or walkers.
Total costs for the project are expected to come in just under $215,000. To date, $85,000 has been raised and the group is planning to begin grant writing for the project in the new year.
The request before council at the Dec. 19 council meeting was to help support the project.
“If council does choose to assist, it could go towards a matching grant,” said Kaitlyn Kenney, the County of Paintearth Strategic Initiatives manager.
During her presentation to council, Kenney noted that the nearest inclusive playground is 100km away so there is an anticipated need, and use, of the new equipment.
The group’s goal is to have the funds in place to be able to start the installation of the new equipment in the fall of 2024.
After the presentation, with a motion by Glazier, council decided to support the project with a $40,000 donation, with a note to follow up with the group later to see how the fundraising and grant-writing is going.
Office Closure
The County of Paintearth offices will be closed Dec. 23-26. The next council meeting will take place Jan. 16, 2024.