Budget Highlights: 2025 Operating Budget

 

Fox Creek Council has approved the 2025 Operating Budget, totaling $16,222,671.00, which reflects the Town’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while ensuring the continuation of essential services for the community. This budget lays the foundation for strategic financial management by establishing and utilizing Operating Reserves to alleviate budgetary pressures and exploring opportunities for accelerated debt repayment. These efforts aim to reduce long-term financial obligations and ease future demands on the operating budget.

The 2025 Operating Budget also prioritizes addressing critical community needs, enhancing communication, and advancing emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Operating Budget:

  • Municipal Election: Fox Creek will hold a general municipal election in October 2025, ensuring democratic representation and community engagement.
  • Enhanced Communication: The Town will launch an electronic newsletter and expand print and electronic advertising, along with significant updates to the Town’s website to improve access to information.
  • Emergency Preparedness: The Voyent Alert System will be implemented to enhance community communication during emergencies.
  • Community Programs: The Town remains dedicated to offering key programs for seniors, youth, and newcomers through the Community Resource Centre, with much of the funding supported by grant partnerships.
  • Community Support: Council will continue backing local organizations through the Grants to Groups program, fostering a vibrant and engaged community.
  • Health Services: Council will maintain support for the Fox Creek Medical Clinic by employing clinic staff and providing reduced housing costs for physicians.
  • Debt Reduction: Savings from the repayment of long-term debt on the Fox Creek Protective Services Building have reduced interest costs, further improving the Town’s financial outlook.
  • Economic Development: A Business Retention and Expansion & Workforce Development (BREWD) Survey will be conducted in 2025. This survey will reflect the needs of the business community, enabling the Town to apply for grants, participate in provincial and federal government programs, and address identified needs. The resulting action plan will aim to positively impact the local business environment.
  • Volunteerism and Non-Profits: Meetings with non-profit organizations and local clubs will aim to support the reactivation of volunteerism in the community, reduce barriers, and increase awareness of the benefits of contributing to the community and making a positive impact.
  • Culture and Tourism: The Town will focus on attracting events and activities that showcase Fox Creek’s unique advantages, strengthen tourism infrastructure, and position the community as a key participant in future cultural and tourism initiatives.

Adjustments to the operating budget and municipal tax rates will be finalized in spring 2025, following the adoption of the Provincial Budget and final assessment figures.

The detailed 2025 Operating Budget is available for review here.

Discussions on the Capital Budget will take place in early 2025, setting the stage for continued investment in the Town’s future.