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Cypress County officials say the $10-million surplus will be allocated to reserves, utilized for capital projects and combined with external funding to maximize their utilization for county residents. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News
COUNTY GOVERNMENT

No property tax increase in Cypress County’s 2025 budget

Dec 5, 2024 | 5:12 PM

Cypress County residents will not experience a property tax rate increase in 2025 after its municipal council passed a surplus budget this week.

The financial plan projects revenues of approximately $48.9 million with expenses of about $38.9 million, resulting in net income of $10 million.

The surplus will be allocated into the county’s reserves, utilized for capital projects and combined with external funding to maximize their utilization for county residents, officials said.

The county’s corporate services director Steven Toews said the surplus is considered “future money” and, for example, can be used to replace any bridges that are broken or worn out.

“Each one of those bridges average up to about a $2 million replacement cost,” Toews said.

“So, what that goes towards, it’s kind of future-proofing the county to make sure we’re sustainable.”

External grants are projected at a combined $6.65 million from the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program and Local Government Fiscal Framework.

Many reserve funds are considered stable while those considered underfunded are being strategically prioritized, according to a county budget brief.

Reeve Dan Hamilton said in a statement the budget “reflects our dedication to prudent financial stewardship while addressing the evolving needs of our residents.”

“This budget ensures we remain on a path of growth and prosperity while providing the highest quality of life for our community.”

There is over $8 million dedicated to the county’s five-year construction plan, including improvements and maintenance for roads and bridges across the county.

While property taxes are not on the rise for next year, Toews said tax assessments coming in the new year can still cause fluctuations for residents.

“That’s going to be coming up in the next couple months to really fine-tune what those assessment changes were, and that’ll impact the taxes,” he said.

The full budget can be viewed on the Cypress County’s finance page. Council meets next in January.