Budget Process

The Municipal Government Act requires that each year, Council adopt an operating and capitial budget. Budgets are a plan of the expenditures and revenues that take place over the course of the year. Each department prepares a budget required to provide the programs and services determined by Council through bylaws and policies. During November and December, budgets are presented for Council’s consideration with the goal to adopt prior to the end of the year

MEDIA RELEASE (May 5, 2026) - Approved 2026 Budget

WESTLOCK COUNTY, AB – Westlock County Council has approved the 2026 Final Operating Budget and the 2026 Property Tax Rate bylaw.

The approved 2026 Final Operating Budget of $23,701,515 focuses on long-term financial sustainability while maintaining essential services and investing in Westlock County’s core infrastructure, systems, and people. It is a lean and responsible budget, with few new spending initiatives and no service-level reductions, reflecting the Administration’s commitment to managing costs carefully and delivering the services residents rely on.

The County continues to prioritize its commitment to serving the community and making it a more welcoming place to live. “Our Council is proud to share this budget that will help shape the future of the municipality and provide real growth in the community.” Reeve Christine Wiese.

The approved 2026 Property Tax Rate bylaw (#85-2026) provides a reduction in municipal tax rates compared to last year as follows: 1.4% decrease in Residential, 1.2% decrease in Farmland, and 10.4% decrease in non-residential. The final assessment increased by 9.02 %, 1.33% due to growth and 7.69% due to inflation. Therefore, Council directed Administration to keep the municipal levy close to the same as the interim budget and provide municipal tax rate relief to the ratepayers.

However, there are mandated requisitions (Taxes) and downloads from the province, like school, seniors and police services, that keep increasing. Collected on behalf of other entities such as the Province of Alberta and Homeland Housing, the Council does not have the authority to change the requisition amount. Ratepayers are advised to properly read through their tax notices about these differences and contact their MLA. The only amount that goes directly to your local municipal services is the municipal tax.

For more information about this advisory, please contact:

Westlock County

info@westlockcounty.com

2026 Budget Property Tax Rate Media Release May5.pdf

Investing in our Community:

Resources and Initiatives have been budgeted to support plans for future development of the North Sky Business Park and other areas within the County.
Through partnership with Highway 2 Conservation and Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) our Infrastructure department supports projects that promote positive environmental changes throughout the County
Plans to build and maintain sound infrastructure assets that will support the regional economy.
Plans to reduce gravel cost while still maintaining level of service to our residents on road maintenance.
Maintaining current assets, within infrastructure, in 2024 and begin preparations to promote growth by investing in hamlet infrastructure.
Refreshing the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) and the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) to provide guidance on community design, which is essential to County growth.
Data analytics that identify opportunities for the County
Highlight tourism amenities and create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
Enhance and revitalize tourism throughout a regional approach for all year opportunities.
Developing and enhancing relationships with the community groups to continue to enable the programs and services vital to the County’s future.