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Vol. 10, No. 28, Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Lamont County passes its 2015 final budget Michelle Pinon Editor
Lamont County passed its 2015 final budget on Tuesday, May 5. The operations budget showed revenues of $25,290.856; and expenditures of $25,240,856 for a surplus of $50,000 (this amount is less the budgeted amortization of $1,860,651). The proposed 2015 capital budget showed revenues and expenditures of $11,894,748. “As far as the budget is
concerned, I think it is a good news budget for residents, as council has decided not to increase mill rates, mainly due to an approximate five per cent increase in the linear assessment,” stated Reeve Wayne Woldanski. “Council has approved an ambitious capital budget for this coming year of $11.89 million with $9.9 million in road and building infrastructure projects, and another $1.94 in equipment replacement.” Woldanski went on to say, “Currently, our
Wayne Woldanski biggest challenge is funding our major infrastructure projects; bridge replacement and repairs and road upgrading, so as far as the new govern-
ment is concerned, we are optimistic that there will not be any major chances to provincial grant funding sources for municipalities, and are hopeful that the new government will consider reinstating Bridge and Resource Road funding to rural municipalities. As an example, our current budget has $950,000 in bridge repair and replacement projects, which at one time was a provincial responsibility. We are also encouraged by the new govern-
ment’s vision to add value to our resources as a means of diversifying our economy which would mean processing more of our energy resources in Alberta. The AIHA has been a longtime advocate for adding value to our resources through expansion of the petrochemical, refining and upgrading sectors. This would increase provincial and municipal revenue sources, and provide a more stable revenue stream for the provincial government while also creating more
higher paying jobs for Albertans. In terms of taxation, Woldanski explained, “As far as assessment is concerned, because we are working with a new assessor, the entire county is going to be assessed over four years, and this started in the west end. The reason some properties are seeing such an increase is partly because some properties weren’t assessed correctly in the past, and partly because the land values in the Industrial Heartland have increased.
Lamont County council approves taxation rates Michelle Pinon Editor
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Andrew School hosted its annual Mother’s Day Tea & Bake Sale on Friday, May 8. There was a wonderful gathering of mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and a couple of father’s, too. Andrew School student council volunteers created a charming setting in the school gymnasium with beautiful table settings, plants from Jones Family Greenhouse, and an array of delicious baking supplied by students. Homemade soup, buns and strawberry cupcakes were served by students to the guests as well as refreshments. Mom Jocelyn Lamash, enjoyed lunch with her children Evan and Taylor.
Lamont County approved all three readings of taxation bylaw 749.15 at its May 5th meeting. With estimated municipal revenues and transfers from all souces other than taxation is estimated at $15,441,903 and the balance of $21,743,701 is to be raised by general municipal taxation. Requisitions include the following: • Total School Requisitions of $2,771,086.34 • Seniors Foundation Requistion of $317,929.00 • Solid Waste Commission Requisition of $252,510.68 The assessed value of all property in the municipality as shown on the assessment roll is: • Residential Assessment - $426,316,100 • Non-Residential Assessment - $695,787,160 • Farm Land Assessment - $95,555,530 • Machinery and Equipment - $122,370.12 Tax rates for farmland, residential and commercial properties were also outlined in percentages in the bylaw. Penalties were set accordingly: • 10 per cent on all current taxes remaining unpaid after June 30, 2015. • 10 per cent penalty on all taxes remaining unpaid after December 31, 2015.