Town council has approved its 2026 interim operating budget, setting the stage for modest increases to property taxes & utility rates in the new year.
During its Dec. 9 meeting, council reviewed administration’s recommendation for a two-per-cent property tax increase for both residential & non-residential properties.
The town says rising costs have outpaced that figure, putting pressure on the 2026 financial plan.
Alongside the proposed tax increase, administration is recommending small hikes across water, sewer, garbage & recycling fees.
Water rates would rise by 10 cents to $3.34 per cubic metre, while the monthly flat fee would remain at $12.
The change is expected to add roughly $1.70 per month, or about $20 annually to the average household bill.
Sewer rates are projected to increase to $25.75 per month from $25.25, while both garbage collection & recycling fees would climb by 50 cents, to $27.00 & $9.50 per month.
The full utility bylaw is expected to return to council for final approval on Dec. 16.
Following the discussion on taxation & utilities, council passed the $22.25-million interim operating budget for 2026.
If the proposed two-per-cent tax increase is confirmed in the spring, the Town expects to collect about $7.26 million in tax revenue.
Council noted that four percentage points of last year’s six-per-cent tax increase was tied to establishing a physician recruitment incentive, now a permanent line item that will not require new spending this year.
The fire department budget was another major topic of discussion.
With the County of Stettler forming its own service, the Town no longer plans to contribute to a fire hall expansion a this time.
The Town will also defer saving for a future fire engine after purchasing the County’s share of the Rescue 14 truck.
For 2026, the department is projected operating expenses of $968,000, with revenues of about $21,000.
Economic development work through the Stettler Regional Board of Trade remains a major priority for 2026, with business attraction as a key focus.
Council was provided with a sample property to take a look at the impact to property taxes.
A home assessed at $265,140 could expect to pay around $3,578.51 in property taxes in 2026, including utilities.
The interim budget allows the municipality to continue operations past Jan. 1 until the final tax budget is adopted in May.
Updated property assessments at that time will help set the final tax rate for 2026.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
