Town of Bashaw tweaks then approves 2025 capital budget

Stu Salkeld

The Town of Bashaw made a few adjustments to its 2025 capital budget before passing it at the June 4 regular meeting of council.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller presented councillors with the proposed 2025 capital budget, which readers should note includes projects and purchases the municipality has

budgeted for over the next year.

Fuller noted a change was made to proposed road construction and rehab. “The infrastructure project has been changed from 51 Street to 49 Street (Railway Ave.),” stated the CAO’s memo to council. “Several water line breaks have occurred on 49 Street and it has been determined the water line in the area was installed in or around 1950.

“Thirty-five thousand dollars will provide funds to begin the preliminary project planning. We anticipate having estimates for the fall or early next year.”

During discussion councillors noted that certain Government of Alberta grants can be rolled over year to year and applied to larger, more expensive infrastructure projects. Councillors seemed receptive to this idea.

The capital budget also proposed $20,000 for the purchase of a new mower. “Much of our equipment is in the state of steady repair,” stated the CAO’s memo. “We would like to arrange to purchase the best equipment we can get for $20,000. Public Works will continue to repair and sell what they can to improve grass cutting function.”

Councillors discussed grass cutting in Bashaw; it was noted a move three years ago to hire a contractor for cemetery grass cutting has worked out well for the municipality and suggestions were made that the contract approach might be applied to other areas of town.

Fuller also noted in her memo about the proposed capital budget that she suggested using unrestricted surplus money to replace town computer servers. A quote for such replacement was included with Fuller noting this document was received late.

The CAO stated that new software is expected to save the town money and those savings will be used to replenish the unrestricted surplus.

Councillors unanimously approved the 2025 capital budget.