At the Regular Council Meeting on April 22, 2025, Drumheller Town Council passed amendments to the 2025 property-tax-supported Operating and Capital Budgets.

The amended 2025 Operating Budget totals over $22 million, including mandatory provincial requisitions. As part of its responsibilities, the Town collects and remits several provincial requisitions, including the Education Requisition (13%) and the Seniors’ Lodge Requisition (3%). In addition, the RCMP Policing Contract accounts for 9% of the overall budget. Collectively, these commitments represent approximately one-quarter of the Town’s 2025 Operating Budget. It is important to note that the Town has no control over the amounts levied by these authorities but is obligated to administer their collection and distribution.

In response to cost overruns in several capital projects, the Town has exercised fiscal prudence in amending its approved budgets. Despite these challenges, the Town has modestly adjusted its projection to a 4% increase in tax revenue.

This increase reflects the ongoing instability in tariffs affecting operations and the supply chain and aligns with comparable rates adopted by other Alberta municipalities.

“Council continues to take a balanced and responsible approach to budgeting,” says Councillor Tony Lacher. “With rising costs in capital projects and essential services—many of which are beyond our control—it was important to amend the budget while maintaining our original tax revenue projection. We believe this approach supports the long-term stability of Town operations without placing additional strain on taxpayers.”