Coronation Town Council Passes 2025 Budget with no increase to Mill Rate

Coronation Town council approved the 2024 Audited Financial Statements during its regular meeting on May 26.

Peter Stone, representing Ascend LLP, presented the audit and reviewed the town’s financial results for the year. Council members had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the municipality’s financial position. The statements were accepted and will be submitted to Municipal Affairs, as required under Section 278 of the Municipal Government Act.

Council also approved the 2025 municipal budget, which was balanced with projected revenues and expenses of $4,969,329.76. The mill rate will remain at 14.0840, meaning no tax increase for property owners.

According to administration, property assessments grew by 4.19 per cent for residential and 4.21 per cent for non-commercial parcels. While this provided additional revenue, rising costs for insurance, utilities, and required contributions to services such as the Alberta School Foundation Fund and East Central Ambulance limited the overall benefit.

The budget includes $370,489 in funding through the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF), with $129,748 allocated to operating costs. The town does not expect to draw from its restricted surplus accounts this year. Council also heard that outstanding tax arrears dropped from $835,690.30 to $612,261.28.

Capital planning in 2025 includes early work on a new swimming pool, sewer relining, and arena upgrades. The town is also looking into ways to improve broadband access and expand affordable housing.

Although the budget passed without a tax increase, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Quinton Wintfley suggested the council consider a small mill rate increase next year. A 0.05 per cent rise could add around $4,000 in revenue, helping offset a potential drop in provincial funding through LGFF in 2026.

Mayor Ron Checkel said the town should wait and see what next year’s property assessments look like. Wintfley agreed the higher assessments this year helped avoid a tax increase.

“The auditors said the numbers were good, so that is all we can go by,” said Checkel.

“I think we have done a very good job,” added Deputy Mayor Brett Alderice.

Council also passed the third and final reading of Bylaw No. 2025-707, which increases the minimum municipal property tax from $700 to $750 per property starting in 2025. The new rate applies to 185 properties and is expected to bring in $138,750 in total. Of that, $3,000 will go to the golf course budget and $4,158.10 to Communities in Bloom. Administration recommended the council continue reviewing the minimum tax rate each year, with a possible future increase to $800.

In other business, the council updated the town’s signing authority following changes in administration. With Wintfley stepping down, Interim CAO Delayne Golby was appointed as the new signing authority. In Golby’s absence, Utility and Development Clerk Candice Hawthorne will take on the role.