The Town of Bashaw council passed their 2025 operating budget with a lower than expected tax increase. The resolutions were passed at the May 21 regular meeting of council.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller presented  councillors with an updated version of the proposed 2025 operating budget; at their May 7 council meeting councillors essentially went through the draft budget line by line.

However, it was noted by council the Hwy. #12/21 Water Commission planned to send the town a roughly $17,000 “true up.” Such an act is simply a rebate on prepaid water that was never used.

Fuller stated the “true up” was unexpected, so she wanted to reexamine the draft budget with the $17,000 windfall included.

Readers should note the water commission asks member municipalities to estimate how much water they’ll use for the coming year but if at the end of the year that amount of water isn’t reached the members get a refund.

The CAO’s revised 2025 operating budget reflected this revenue. Fuller stated in her memo to council the overall tax increase would therefore be 2.66 per cent, the budget would include a $17,636.98 “true up” from the water commission and council training sessions would be included while computer software updates for the town office would probably cost about $1,041 more than expected.

Fuller stated the overall tax increase is less than a previous version of the budget. Coun. Cindy Orom noted that 2.66 per cent is the lowest increase she has seen on her time on council.

Mayor Rob McDonald thanked Bashaw’s staff for doing a great job on 2025’s budget.

Coun. Kyle McIntosh added that he felt Bashaws increases have been reasonable compared to other municipalities that propose tax increase of six per cent or higher.

Councillors unanimously approved the 2025 operating budget, with the council also approving all readings of the 2025 tax rate bylaw as well.

Fuller observed with a possible Canada Post mail workers strike looming Bashaw staff wanted to get tax notices printed and in the mail as soon as possible.