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NEWS RELEASE – Lamont County Budget Committee Discussions: Aug. 18

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MEDIA UPDATE and NEWS RELEASE – Lamont County Budget Committee Discussions: Aug. 18

August 20, 2025 – LAMONT, AB: Lamont County Council completed initial annual budget committee discussions on August 18.

Council Budget Committee Meetings (AGENDA):
Each year, Lamont County Council provides preliminary direction to Administration for development of an operating and capital budget which is reviewed by Budget Committee before the end of the year. The Committee provides recommendations that are debated and deliberated and subsequently approved by Council at the last regular Council meeting of the year. The role of the Budget Committee includes identifying projects and confirming or providing direction to vary levels of services based on funds available from various revenue sources.

At the April 29 Council Meeting, Council reviewed the calendar of events for the remainder of 2025, and in particular, the fall meetings that precede the 2025 Municipal Election. Council chose at that time to bring forward the date for budget review to August rather than in the very busy November and December period. A review of current year progress and a proposed budget from the previous Council is a strong practice that sets up the new Council for early success.

Annually, Council approves service levels and capital projects based on strategic priorities, need and resources available. Council reviews and ratifies each Department’s programs annually, and amends the budget accordingly. This results in an approved Business Plan that seeks to strategically balance resident needs and community priorities.

Council adopted a priority-based budgeting format in 2022 and has consistently completed its due diligence to review services, reduce annual budget deficits, and make adjustments, where appropriate.

Council directed administration to continue to focus on:

  1. Finding efficiencies and stabilizing the organization for growth;
  2. Maintaining infrastructure in a cost-effective way; as well as
  3. Focusing on development in the Designated Industrial Zone (DIZ) in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland (AIH) to diversify the tax base and attract investment that benefits all of Lamont County. This is supported by the Process Water project.

Upon final review, Budget Committee accepted all documents as information and referred the matter to the new Council per the following resolution:

THAT Lamont County Budget Committee refer the 2026-29 recommended operating and capital budget, as amended, to the December 2025 Budget Meetings.

Administration will now develop a recommended operating and capital budget with Council’s suggestions for presentation on December 2-4, with potential approval at a December Council Meeting.

The public and media are invited to attend Council and Committee meetings in Council Chambers or virtually through links that are made available on the Lamont County website. Be advised that all meetings are recorded.

Please note: the information above is considered unofficial content; official meeting minutes are posted on the Lamont County website once approved and signed off (after presentation for approval at the next council meeting). Additional content may be available in the approved meeting agendas. 

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Media inquiries can be directed to:
Jay Zaal, Communications Coordinator
780-895-2233 Ext. 222 | jay.z@lamontcounty.ca | lamontcounty.ca/news                 

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