Mayor Linnsie Clark, and the rest of council, listen on during a presentation to council. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

By Eli J. Ridder

CITY HALL

Medicine Hat draft city budget releasing Friday afternoon, up for vote Monday

Nov 29, 2024 | 8:59 AM

A final draft of Medicine Hat’s 2025-26 budget is scheduled to be released with Monday’s city council agenda on Friday afternoon.

It’s likely to reveal a nine-digit budget based on over 23 hours of public meetings in what officials say has been the most transparent process ever for Medicine Hat.

The city has targeted 5.6 per cent tax revenue increases for both 2025 and 2026 — close to the province-wide average and spurred by a historic budget gap, playing catch up after freezing increases during the pandemic and other factors.

Council on July 15 asked staff to find savings, which they did. The total capital ask was reduced by $12.8 million and operating by $2.8 million.

However, low energy business profits — made through utilities charged to residents and by selling energy externally — meant that costs remain the same.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

19h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Meeting agendas are typically published around 4 p.m. on Fridays.