Bonnyville town council has passed its 2025 Interim Operating and Capital budgets during their meeting held on December 10, outlining plans for a year of deliberate fiscal management and strategic investments.
The 2025 Interim Operating budget is balanced at just over $32.7 million. The budget incorporates a modest increase in municipal taxes, with two percent rise for residential properties and a four percent increase for multi-family and non-residential properties.
Utility and garbage rate will also increase by two percent. To further balance the budget, the town has included a transfer of $778,075 from general operating reserve and reduced funding for requested from Community Organizations.
The Interim Capital budget, set at $11.29 million, prioritizing critical projects white deferring non-essential expenditures. One significant allocation within the budget is $2,505,766 for the planning and design phase of the proposed Aquatics Facility, underscoring the council’s commitment to advancing the project.
Provincial grant funding is expected to contribute $1.58 million, reflecting a $144,971 increase over the previous year. To support capital investments, reserve transfers totalling $1.58 million have been incorporated. This includes $736,963 designated for equipment replacement and $847,304 used to balance the capital budget.
Before finalizing the Tax Rate Bylaw in March 2025, the budgets will undergo adjustments to reflect the financial outcomes of 2024 and any changes occurring up to April 30, 2025. This approach allows council to remain responsive to evolving fiscal conditions and community priorities.
