CARSTAIRS – The approved 2024 Town of Carstairs budget projects expenses of $13,795,582 and revenues of $14,898,718, and includes almost $1 million in roadway expenses.
Council approved the 2024 tax rate bylaw at the recent, regularly-scheduled meeting after approving the budget.
The budget outlines projected expenses in areas such as general administration, fire department, emergency services, community services, golf course, arena, parks and campground.
The fire department is operated by the town under the terms of a fire agreement with Mountain View County.
In 2024, fire department expenses are projected to total $596,356, including $147,665 for wages and $115,360 for firefighter remuneration.
Fire department revenue in 2024 will include $246,798 from Mountain View County.
The roadway budget is for the repair and maintenance of the roadways, laneways, sidewalks, and pathways in town. Projected expenses are $982,098, including $338,265 for wages.
The emergency services budget includes RCMP, community peace officers and animal control. Projected expenses there are $459,978, including wages of $293,730, with revenues of $53,550 that include $50,000 from traffic fines.
The garbage budget provides the community with an integrated waste management system. Expenses there are projected to be $405,480, including $290,000 for solid waste contract and $47,174 for wages.
The community services budget provides support and resources for community groups, families and individuals. Projected expenses there are $408,266, including $56,100 for a museum operating grant, $83,232 for Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) programs as well as $23,929 for FCSS services.
The golf course budget projects expenses of $1,641,629 and revenues of $1,703,000.
The arena budget projects expenses of $696,928, with revenues of $385,948.
The parks budget projects expenses of $622,620, with revenues of $151,232.
The library budget projects expenses of $292,753, with revenues of $33,482.
The administration budget includes administrative support for the municipality. Projected expenses there include $780,953 in wages plus $100,444 in benefits, training and conferences at $10,250, as well as professional services - assessment at $59,520.
The emergency management budget calls for expenses of $41,839, including $24,536 for wages.
The legislative budget deals with all costs associated and incurred by municipal council. Projected expenses there are $336,907, including $161,375 on remuneration, $64,168 on wages, $8,068 on benefit council remuneration, $13,475 on benefits, $21,500 on council per diem.
In 2024, the mayor will receive remuneration of $28,212, deputy mayor $24,544, and councillors $21,723, all the same as in 2023.
The complete budget is available for viewing on the town’s website.
