Cochrane Town Council got their first peek at he proposed 2025-2027 Budget on Monday night, setting off what will now become an intense, weeks-long debate over what to leave in, what to leave out.
The draft was presented for information only at this point. Councillors will now have a little time to digest the document before the serious debate takes place at a public hearing and a number of meetings scheduled before final approval and adoption in December. Council meetings are currently scheduled for November 12, 13, 19 and 21 (if needed).
Last year, Council announced the approval of the 2024-2026 budget during the regular Council meeting on December 11. The budget, totaling $82.8 million for municipal operations and $135 million for capital projects over three years, sought to strike a balance between maintaining service levels, fostering sustainable growth, and acknowledging the economic challenges faced by residents.
To align with the approved budget, Council endorsed a municipal tax revenue increase of $1,275,000 (or 3.63%) to meet the financial demands.
Interested residents can now access the draft 2025-2027 Budget on the Town’s website.
The Town’s news release said the budget “reflects the municipality’s commitment to maintaining a strong, stable foundation while preparing for the future. Grounded in fiscal responsibility and community feedback, the budget ensures the Town can continue delivering the quality services residents rely on while meeting the challenges of growth and inflation.”
Public input directly influenced the budget’s priorities, driving decisions on staffing and funding new projects. The total revenue requirement is 6.14 per cent higher than 2024. Of that, 3.64 per cent comes from growth, meaning this is an inflationary budget of 2.5 per cent.
“These adjustments will support essential services without compromising the Town’s reputation as one of the most tax-efficient municipalities. Staffing resources will grow in line with the community, ensuring we maintain service levels and support front-line operations,” the release states.
The budget also invests in critical infrastructure and essential services. This includes continued upgrades to Cochrane’s utilities, addressing aging infrastructure, and supporting significant projects such as the Glenpatrick infrastructure upgrades and Horse Creek Sports Park. Additionally, Cochrane will maintain its commitment to community safety and connectivity, with the proposed addition of two RCMP officers and four Parks staff in 2025.
“We are proud to present a budget that not only maintains stability but positions Cochrane for continued success,” said Mike Derricott, CAO, Town of Cochrane. “Through sound financial management and strategic investments, we are building on Council’s goals of sustainability and long-term planning. The community’s input helped shape this budget, and we are confident it meets both current needs and future challenges.”
The release continues: “With a focus on operational efficiency, the budget ensures Cochrane continues to deliver value to its residents, from maintaining parks and pathways to funding local partners like the Cochrane Library and the Spray Lake Sawmills Centre. Cochrane’s approach to growth and financial management keeps the community on track for long-term success while staying responsive to the needs of residents.”
The budget is available online at Cochrane.ca/budget as well as through Let’s Talk Cochrane. Residents are invited to provide feedback on the draft budget at an upcoming public information session at the SLS Centre on Friday, Oct. 25 from 3 to 7 pm or Saturday Oct. 26 from 11 am to 3 pm.
