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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-10 2025 Budget Narrative (Final)2025 COUNTY OF NEWELL, ALBERTA, CANADA FINAL BUDGET Photo credit : Leslie Smith Photo credit : Tammy Karasek Photo credit : Samantha Plett Photo credit : Debbie Lea Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................. 3 GFOA Award for Distinguished Budget Presentation 3 Community Profile 5 Organization Profile 6 Vision, Mission & Guiding Principles 7 Strategic Priorities & Strategies 7 Budget Policy and Principles 7 Accounting Practices 8 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................. 10 Budget Planning Priorities and Issues 11 Budget Highlights 12 Revenues 13 Expenditures 15 Staffing Summary 19 Tangible Capital Assets Summary 20 Debt Summary 21 Restricted Surplus Summary 22 BUDGET BY FUNCTION ................................................................................................................................................ 24 General Government 25 Legislative 26 Administration 30 Corporate Safety 36 Police Services 38 Fire & Emergency Services 39 Bylaw Enforcement 45 Fleet Services 47 Roads, Streets, Walks & Lighting 49 Airport 54 Water 55 Wastewater 58 Waste Management 60 Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) 62 Planning & Development 63 Agricultural Services 66 Community Services 70 Economic Development 72 Recreation 74 Parks & Programs 75 Library & Culture 77 APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................................................. 78 Appendix I – Tangible Capital Asset Budget Items 79 Appendix II – Financial Plan (MGA 283.1) 84 Appendix III – 10 Year Capital Plan (MGA 283.1) 85 Appendix IV – Strategic Priorities 86 Appendix V – Glossary 87 Appendix VI – Acronyms 89 Produced by the Finance Department in cooperation with all County departments. The County of Newell 2025 Budget is available online at www.countyofnewell.ab.ca. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 2 INTRODUCTION GFOA Award for Distinguished Budget Presentation The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) presented a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to the County of Newell for the Annual Budget beginning January 1, 2024. In order to receive this award, a governmental unit must publish a budget document that meets program criteria as a policy document, as an operations guide, as a financial plan, and as a communications device. This award is valid for a period of one year only. We believe our current budget continues to conform to program requirements, and we are submitting it to GFOA to determine its eligibility for another award. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 3 COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 4 Community Profile Population (2021): 7,465 Decrease in population (from 2016): 0.8% Median Age: 39 Unemployment rate (2021): 7.0% Median All Families Income (2021): $93,750 Number of Farms: 727 The County of Newell is a rural municipality located central to Calgary, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge with less than 190 kilometers of separation between each city. The County is a growing transportation hub with the TransCanada Highway 1 and Highway 36 intersecting within our boundaries. CPKC Rail’s mainline runs through the County, on its track from Montreal to Vancouver. Our geographical position provides ease of access to the oil sands to the north and the United States to the south, creating an ideal trade location for businesses. The population of the Newell region, inclusive of our urban counterparts, is over 25,000. The largest urban communities in the region are the City of Brooks and Town of Bassano. The County has positive working relationships with our urban neighbors, which improves the quality of services provided to all of our residents. The County is home to the Eastern Irrigation District (EID) which provides an extensive water supply, storage, and drainage network throughout the region. Water diverted from the Bow River at the Bassano Dam provides for irrigated agriculture, industrial, household and livestock use, as well as many recreational opportunities and enhanced environmental conditions. The County has a dynamic and diverse economy historically driven by three pillars: Agriculture; Oil and Gas; and Tourism. There are approximately 500 primary agricultural producers in the County, and approximately 1,500 non-agricultural business enterprises within the footprint of the Newell area. The region boasts extraordinary crop quality with over 300,000 acres of irrigated farmland, 600,000 acres of cultivated dry land farming and 600,000 acres of native and improved rangeland. The region is home to some of the most profitable farmers in Alberta. The County has one of Alberta’s most active natural gas fields. There are roughly 20,400 wells in the County, which accounts for half of all gas wells in Alberta, and 9% of all gas wells in Canada. The state of the North American natural gas industry, combined with the advanced age of many of the gas wells in the County, has resulted in reduced economic activity within the region and a reduction in assessment values and related tax revenues. A fourth sector, utility scale renewable energy facilities, is beginning to emerge within the County with solar projects at varying stages that range from application submitted through to fully constructed operational facilities. Key tourism anchors include Lake Newell - one of Canada's largest man-made lakes, Dinosaur Provincial Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and recreation activity as diverse as golfing, boating, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching. Top 10 Taxpayers: 1 – Torxen Energy Ltd. 2 – Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. 3 – Nova Gas Transmission Ltd. 4 – ATCO Electric Ltd. 5 – JBS Food Canada ULC. 6 – Cardinal Energy Ltd. 7 – Altalink Management Ltd. 8 – Foothills Pipelines Ltd. 9 – IPC Canada Ltd. 10 – Inter Pipeline Ltd. Photo by Jess Lunn COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 5 Organization Profile County Council The Council of the County of Newell represents the citizens of the County and provides leadership as the legislative and policy-making body for the organization. Council is comprised of 10 Councillors who are elected for a four-year term. The office of Reeve is elected from within Council during the annual Organizational Meeting. Reeve: Arno Doerksen (Division 9) Deputy Reeve: Kelly Christman (Division 6) Councillors: Dan Short (Division 1) Greg Skriver (Division 5) Adena Skanderup (Division 2) Ellen Unruh (Division 7) Lynette Kopp (Division 3) Amanda Philpott (Division 8) Holly Johnson (Division 4) Neil Johnson (Division 10) Management Team The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) leads a management team responsible for providing recommendations to Council and coordinating the day-to-day operations of staff. The management team also provides vision and leadership in the annual development and implementation of Council initiatives. The management team consists of the positions illustrated below. Electorate Council Chief Administrative Officer Executive Assistant Director of Corporate Services Manager of Personnel & Safety Services Newell Regional Fire Chief Director of Municipal Services Manager of Operations Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering Services Director of Agricultural Services Manager of Agricultural Services Director of Information & Technology COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 6 Vision, Mission & Guiding Principles Vision To encourage and attract sustainable growth and support a high quality of life. Mission Through leadership, partnership, and effective policy, the County provides services, structure, and stability to its residents. Guiding Principles The County of Newell is: 1. An Environmentally Sustainable County with a healthy and natural environment through responsible use and protection. 2. A Growing County with well maintained infrastructure and facilities that meet regional needs. 3. A Prosperous County that has the capacity to attract, support and retain businesses and residents. 4. A Socially Responsible County that uses community engagement to improve the well-being and diversity of the region. 5. A Well Governed County that has a sustainable government focused on strategic decision making. Strategic Priorities & Strategies Corporate Strategic Priorities (see Appendix IV) that reference the County’s guiding principles are established by Council and Administration after each municipal election. These priorities are summarized and tracked through the Corporate Strategic Priorities Chart which is reviewed during regular Council meetings monthly and updated as necessary as part of the annual budget process, regular Council meetings or quarterly Committee of the Whole meetings. Budget Policy and Principles Budget Process On an annual basis, Council considers a proposed operating budget and a ten-year capital forecast and adopts the operating and capital budgets for the coming year. The budget process involves Council, the Chief Administrative Officer, department heads, staff, and the public, and considers current economic conditions, Provincial Government policy changes and service needs within the County. Strategic priorities (Appendix IV), as set by Council and Administration, directly influence the budget process. In December, Council approves an interim budget which is in effect for part of the coming year. The final budget is typically approved early in April after final assessment and requisition amounts are known. July 15, 2024 Council direction provided at budget planning meeting September 30, 2024 Deadline for departmental budget submissions to Finance for review October 31, 2024 Draft budget issued for Council review November 13, 2024 Council review of interim budget with Senior Management December 5, 2024 Council approval of interim budget February 28, 2025 Property assessment values are finalized April 10, 2025 Council approval of final budget After the budget is adopted by Council, expenditures are controlled against budget by formal purchasing policies and financial systems designed specifically to prevent budget overruns. If Council approves additional expenditures during the year the additional spending becomes an approved budget variance. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 7 Balanced Budget In accordance with the Municipal Government Act, the County is required to have a balanced budget. Expenditures may not exceed the total of revenues, transfers from restricted surplus, and proceeds from debt. Financial performance is monitored through budget variance analysis at the functional level, which is available to management on a daily basis, as well as financial information packages which are provided to Council on a quarterly basis. Policies The County has policies in place which work together to provide for the long-term financial stability of the County. These policies govern expenditures, investments, tangible capital assets, restricted surplus funds and the collection of revenues. Hyperlinks to these policies are included below. Purchasing Policy The County ensures that consistent procedures are followed for purchases through Purchasing Policy 2018-PAD-051 which sets expenditure limits for the County. The policy ensures that items purchased have been approved through the budget process or by separate resolution of Council. Investment Policy The County’s savings are invested in accordance with Investment Policy POL-052-24. The objectives of this policy include, the preservation of capital, maintenance of liquidity, and the realization of a competitive rate of return. Municipal investments are governed by restrictive legislation under the Municipal Government Act. The County’s investment policy meets all of these requirements. Tangible Capital Assets Policy Tangible capital assets are defined as assets having a useful life that extends beyond one fiscal year, are used on a continual basis, are not for resale in the ordinary course of operations and are held for use in the production or supply of County goods and services. The County’s Tangible Capital Assets Policy POL-002-22 follows Public Sector Accounting Standards when accounting for and reporting tangible capital assets in its financial statements. Restricted Surplus Policy The County has established specific restricted surplus funds, through Restricted Surplus Policy POL-014-23 to provide for emergent financial needs, stabilize tax rates, set aside funds for the replacement of vehicles, machinery, equipment, infrastructure and facilities, and to minimize its financing needs. Maintaining financial health and stability is the guiding principle behind this policy. Collection of Overdue Receivables Policy The Collection of Overdue Receivables Policy POL-048-24 is designed to ensure the timely collection of the County’s revenues which is critical to ensuring expenditure obligations for providing services can be met. Accounting Practices The accounting practices of the County conform to Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for local governments and the Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared using the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with Canadian Public-Sector Accounting Standards. The accrual basis of accounting records revenue as it is earned and measurable. Expenses are recognized as they are incurred and measurable based upon receipt of goods or services and/or the legal obligation to pay. The current year budget has been prepared on this basis. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 8 Funds from external parties and earnings thereon restricted by agreement or legislation are accounted for as deferred revenue until used for the purpose specified. The County reports based on one main operating fund. Revenues and expenses are shown on a segmented basis, based upon functional services provided by the County, in Schedule 1 of the annual audited financial statements. Capital transactions are shown in the Statement of Cash Flows with supporting schedules that provide detail for the capital transactions. Tangible capital assets are recorded at cost which includes all amounts that are directly attributable to acquisition, construction, development, or betterment of the asset. The cost, less residual value, of the tangible capital assets is amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the tangible capital assets. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 9 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Municipal Government Act requires Council to adopt a budget for each calendar year. This document provides the supporting information for the 2025 Final Budget, which was approved by Council on April 10, 2025. Municipal governments are required by law to have balanced budgets. Current revenue, including transfers from restricted surplus and proceeds from debt, must be sufficient to support current expenditures. The 2025 Final Budget includes a net transfer of $10.97 million from restricted surplus to balance the budget. Budget Summary – Expenses by Function COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 10 Budget Summary– Expenses by Object Budget Planning Priorities and Issues Service Levels: The 2025 budget prioritizes maintaining service levels and appropriate re-investment in the County’s infrastructure continuing a long trend of providing above average service levels at below average property tax rates. Provincial Policy Changes: Policy changes at the Provincial level have been considered throughout the budget process. In 2020 the Province announced a three-year property tax exemption for new wells and pipelines to incent new development activity. The 2025 budgeted increase in property tax revenue is expected to be driven largely by non-residential assessment growth which developed over this three-year tax holiday. Prior to 2021 the County would include a conservative amount of well drilling tax revenue in its annual budget, this was removed beginning in 2021 COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 11 inclusive of all forecast years. Although this represented a small portion of the overall budgeted revenue, actual well drilling taxes averaged $726 thousand a year from 2016 to 2020. The Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) was replaced by the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) in 2024. The County’s allocations under LGFF were maintained at the 2023 MSI amounts of $1.75 million for capital and $278 thousand for operating in 2024. The 2024 LGFF capital allocation included a one-time transitional top-up of $265 thousand which ensured the County did not experience a year-over-year decrease from capital funding allocated under the MSI in 2023. The LGFF capital allocation is set to decrease to $1.70 million in 2025 and $1.65 million in 2026. The 2025 budget and forecast years include capital grant amounts for projects that had been previously approved under the MSI program. The fifth year of the provincial police costing model is included in this budget at an estimated $728 thousand. User Pay Philosophy: Utility rates increase by approximately 3% in 2025. This continues the trend of shifting responsibility for utility system costs to the direct beneficiaries of the systems and away from property taxpayers. The per trip rider fee for the mini-bus service is proposed to increase in 2025 by $2.00, from $20.00 to $22.00, with additional increases of $2.00 per year recommended in each of the forecast years. Budget Highlights The property tax revenue budget increases by $818 thousand or 2.48%. A discount of 2.5% is being offered to encourage property owners to pay their taxes by the June 15th deadline and provide a measure of tax relief. This discount comes at an estimated cost of $845 thousand. Additional tax relief is being provided to small businesses in the County with the small business tax rate being set at 75% of the non-residential tax rate, the lowest threshold allowed under the Municipal Government Act. The County offers very competitive tax rates, each of the 2025 municipal tax rates is below the 2024 average for all municipal districts in the province. The 2025 operating expense budget increases by $1.7 million, or 4.95% over the 2024 final budget, inclusive of a cost-of-living allowance increase of 2% for most staff positions, inflationary increases, one-time expenses, transfers to other municipalities required under intermunicipal collaboration framework agreements, and taking on the management of the Crop Diversification Centre South facilities beginning April 1, 2025. The 2025 budget is expected to provide an annual surplus of $11.1 million. A surplus means revenue exceeds expenses while a deficit may indicate the County has not lived within its means. Long-term financial sustainability depends on ensuring that on average, over time, expenses are less than revenues. When a surplus is achieved, the amount is available for capital expenditures over and above amortization expense. Amortization expense is based on historic cost and does not reflect the increased cost of future asset replacements. Taking future asset replacement costs into account in determining the appropriate level of surplus is a critical step toward financial sustainability. Tangible capital asset expenditures are budgeted at $30.7 million with investments in rural water lines, paved pathways, bridge replacements, drainage improvements, rehabilitation of gravel roads and construction of a new access road off of Township Road 192N to JBS Foods Canada. Debt levels are projected to increase by $714 thousand by the end of 2025 as regular payments on outstanding debt are offset by new debt issues of $825 thousand for the Lake Newell Resort Community Pathway. Restricted surplus funds are expected to decrease by $11 million as they are invested in capital projects. The long-term financial (2025 to 2028) and capital plans (2025 to 2034) required under the Municipal Government Act are included as Appendix II and Appendix III respectively. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 12 Revenues The major categories of the County’s revenues are described below. Net municipal property taxes include all property taxes less requisitions of the Alberta School Foundation Fund and Seniors Foundation. Property taxes are assessed to properties within the County based on an assessment value of the property multiplied by a mill rate approved by Council. Property taxes continue to be the most significant source of revenue for the County. Net municipal taxes are set to increase by 2.48% or $818 thousand in 2025. Taxes are estimated using actual assessed values and tax rates which have been approved by Council. Special levies include local improvement taxes and special taxes. These levies will vary depending on the local improvement projects being completed in any given year. Special taxes are levied each year for the raw water systems in Scandia and Rolling Hills, as well as for lots receiving waterworks from the EID under both the Household Purposes and Rural Water Use Agreements with the EID. A local improvement levy of $825 thousand will support the development of a paved pathway through the hamlet of Lake Newell Resort in 2025. Sales of goods and services includes fees based on usage. Fees are approved by Council in the Schedule of Fees Bylaw and are charged for a variety of goods and services such as water and wastewater, dust abatement, custom work, weed control, equipment rental, campground fees as well as for the provision of contracted services to other municipalities within the region. In general, sales of goods and services are estimated using the approved fee schedule and a combination of historical trend analysis adjusted for any variables that may reasonably be expected to increase or decrease revenues in a service area. - $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35 $40 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget $30,674,877 $31,213,071 $32,231,728 $32,961,420 $33,778,999 Actual $30,827,137 $31,082,801 $32,159,400 $32,926,944 - Mi l l i o n s $0.0 $0.5 $1.0 $1.5 $2.0 $2.5 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget $2,269,570 $2,125,971 $126,796 $881,413 $881,413 Actual $119,569 $2,125,915 $126,586 $131,193 Mil l i o n s $0.0 $0.5 $1.0 $1.5 $2.0 $2.5 $3.0 $3.5 $4.0 $4.5 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget $2,590,500 $2,537,590 $2,664,947 $2,722,428 $4,021,337 Actual $2,740,132 $2,630,591 $2,810,917 $2,996,455 Mi l l i o n s COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 13 Government transfers for operating include various transfers received from other levels of government used to support operating activities. Significant grants expected to be received in 2025 include $184 thousand agricultural service board grant and an LGFF grant of $277 thousand. Government transfers for capital include various transfers received from other levels of government used to invest in capital projects. Canada Community-Building Fund grant funding of $1.6 million is expected to be applied to the County’s gravel road shoulder pull program, paved pathway construction and lift station replacement in the Hamlet of Lake Newell Resort. LGFF capital funding of $2.5 million for phase two of the rural water project and STIP grant funding of $1.8 million supporting the construction of a new access road has also been included in the budget. Only those grants which have been approved by other levels of government, and whose program requirements the County reasonably expects to meet, are included in the budget. Investment income this category includes the returns earned from the County’s investments. Investment income is estimated using a conservative rate of return applied to the estimated ending restricted surplus balance. $0.0 $0.5 $1.0 $1.5 $2.0 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget $1,407,056 $769,120 $696,609 $638,667 $595,547 Actual $1,455,236 $715,438 $809,028 $821,479 Mi l l i o n s - $2 $4 $6 $8 $10 $12 $14 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget $4,252,889 $11,418,895 $9,029,929 $11,875,000 $6,094,464 Actual $2,791,240 $2,575,544 $7,599,034 $8,360,117 Mi l l i o n s $0.0 $1.0 $2.0 $3.0 $4.0 $5.0 $6.0 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget $1,302,125 $1,302,125 $2,219,500 $2,391,500 $2,687,448 Actual $2,689,649 $2,210,644 $2,876,561 $5,677,583 Mi l l i o n s COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 14 Expenditures The major categories of the County’s expenditures are described below. Salaries, wages and benefits include the regular payments made by the County to its salaried and hourly employees. This category also includes the costs of pension, employment insurance, WCB and insurance premiums for the various benefit programs provided by the County. In addition to including a provision for merit increases, the budget includes cost of living adjustments of 2% in 2025 and 2% for all other forecast years for both union and non- union employees. Contracted and general services include expenditures made for professional services such as assessment, legal, audit, engineering as well as general services such as training, insurance, phone and advertising. Materials, goods, supplies and utilities includes expenditures for a variety of items such as fuel and oil, gravel, salt and sand, chemicals, parts, IT hardware, office supplies and gas, water, and electric utility charges. - $2 $4 $6 $8 $10 $12 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget $8,416,101 $8,817,052 $9,484,236 $9,988,599 $10,440,773 Actual $7,722,815 $7,915,695 $8,948,737 $9,508,771 Mil l i o n s - $1 $2 $3 $4 $5 $6 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget $4,668,998 $4,359,813 $4,860,088 $5,101,165 $5,493,402 Actual $3,454,122 $3,551,627 $4,342,082 $4,239,061 Mil l i o n s - $1 $2 $3 $4 $5 $6 $7 $8 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget $5,012,287 $5,344,956 $5,682,733 $5,750,303 $7,008,866 Actual $4,193,413 $4,410,926 $4,773,752 $5,278,472 Mil l i o n s COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 15 Transfers to organizations include transfers made to recreation boards, urban fire departments, library board, other local municipal governments and to the Province for the County’s share of police costs under the new police costing model. Interest on long-term debt includes required interest payments on outstanding long-term debt. Other expenditures include a provision for bad debts on property taxes, a 2.5% discount for taxes paid by the June 15th deadline which has an estimated cost of $845 thousand, and other items not included in any of the expense categories described above. - $1 $2 $3 $4 $5 $6 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget $3,260,000 $3,525,437 $4,407,947 $4,988,286 $4,529,031 Actual $2,818,335 $3,576,864 $4,157,899 $4,222,817 Mil l i o n s - $50 $100 $150 $200 $250 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget $141,266 $119,469 $221,726 $132,038 $127,661 Actual $138,334 $134,511 $146,590 $131,337 Th o u s a n d s $0.0 $0.2 $0.4 $0.6 $0.8 $1.0 $1.2 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget $847,450 $971,201 $847,418 $954,407 $1,026,191 Actual $901,126 $618,501 $1,068,792 $939,608 Mil l i o n s COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 16 Amortization includes the estimated reduction in the value of the County’s tangible capital assets for the year. A portion of the annual amortization charge is funded from property taxes and allocated to various restricted surplus funds each year as outlined in the County’s restricted surplus policy. Acquisition of tangible capital assets includes expenditures on non-financial assets such as roads, sewers, water systems, buildings, vehicles, machinery and equipment. Net debt proceeds (repayment) this category includes new debt issues offset by required debenture principal payments. - $1 $2 $3 $4 $5 $6 $7 $8 $9 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget $7,051,180 $7,303,009 $7,632,293 $8,268,547 $8,301,130 Actual $7,145,286 $7,290,440 $7,789,851 $8,300,739 Mil l i o n s - $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget $14,671,034 $22,754,224 $23,848,654 $25,457,996 $30,667,286 Actual $8,523,023 $6,725,652 $17,669,006 $15,177,649 Mil l i o n s -$3.0 -$2.5 -$2.0 -$1.5 -$1.0 -$0.5 $0.0 $0.5 $1.0 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget ($332,573)$130,072 ($716,288)$643,603 $714,226 Actual ($2,482,572)$134,243 ($665,997)($106,397) Mi l l i o n s COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 17 Net transfers to (from) restricted surplus include transfers to/from restricted surplus funds which are intended for funding a variety of different items which are detailed in the County’s restricted surplus policy. -$15 -$12 -$9 -$6 -$3 $0 $3 $6 $9 $12 $15 $18 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Budget $2,844,331 $1,056,883 ($4,105,648)$385,777 ($10,970,287) Actual $10,840,996 $13,728,626 $3,774,568 $13,764,463 Mil l i o n s COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 18 Staffing Summary The budget includes a net overall increase of 1.83 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. Changes for 2025 include the removal of a Projects Assistant and Human Resources Administrator position, shifting 0.5 FTE Administrative Support from Corporate Safety to Fire & Emergency Services, the addition of a Regional Deputy Fire Chief, a Project Coordinator for the Crop Diversification Centre South, an Engineering Supervisor included at full year service capacity and allocating 1.2 FTE from Corporate Safety to Administration to account for the restructuring of the Human Resources function in 2024. Detailed personnel lists and changes from the prior year budget are included as part of each department’s budget detail. 18.75 1.80 2.83 2.00 3.53 28.00 2.70 15.46 1.00 0.5 ADMINISTRATION CORPORATE SAFETY FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES BYLAW ENFORCEMENT FLEET SERVICES MUNICIPAL SERVICES PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT AGRICULTURAL SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICES PARKS & PROGRAMS 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 2025 Staffing by Department COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 19 Tangible Capital Assets Summary Tangible capital asset (TCA) acquisitions of $30.7 million are summarized below and detailed in Appendix I. TCA are non-financial assets that have a useful life that extends beyond one fiscal year, are used on a continual basis, are not for resale in the ordinary course of operations and are held for use in the production or supply of goods and services. The County’s 10-year capital plan is included in Appendix III. TCA acquisitions are funded from a combination of grants, proceeds on disposal, local improvement taxes, restricted surplus funds and general tax revenues. Existing vehicles, machinery and equipment are replaced at the end of their useful lives as needed and are funded from the vehicles, machinery and equipment restricted surplus fund. IMPACT OF CAPITAL INVESTMENTS ON OPERATING BUDGET New paved pathways are expected to increase annual operating costs by approximately $2,000 per km of paved pathway. Replacement of existing vehicles, machinery and equipment are expected to provide savings in the short- term through increased fuel efficiency and reductions in repairs and maintenance expenses. The completion of phase two of the rural water project will increase contracted services and water purchase costs which will be offset by the related water user fee revenue. No additional personnel are required to support the ongoing operations related to 2025 capital investments. PERFORMANCE MEASURES Alberta Municipal Affairs has defined benchmarks that measure a municipality’s management of its TCA. The expectation is for average capital additions to exceed the average amortization, as measured by the Infrastructure Investment – Asset Sustainability Ratio, and that the net book value of TCA is greater than 40 per cent of the original cost, as measured by the Infrastructure Age – Net Book Value of TCA indicator. The County ended 2023 with an average Net Book Value of TCA across all categories of 65.2%. Capital additions are expected to exceed the average amortization charge in 2025 and forecast years. 44% 82% 48% 85% 75% 84% 93% 72% 52%53% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% - 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 Mil l i o n s Net Book Value of TCA-to-Cost of TCA Cost NBV % NBV to Cost COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 20 Debt Summary Debt levels are projected to increase by $714 thousand to $3.59 million outstanding by the end of 2025. The County remains below its 2024 debt limit of $67 million and debt servicing limit of $11 million. The flexibility of the County to finance future projects through debt is limited by Section 276(2) of the Municipal Government Act which defines the debt and debt limits the County is subject to. Details of current debt as well as the estimated debt and debt servicing limits are listed below: The debt limit is calculated at 1.5 times revenue of the County (as defined in Alberta Regulation 255/00) and the debt service limit is calculated at 0.25 times such revenue. Incurring debt beyond these limitations requires approval by the Minister of Municipal Affairs. PERFORMANCE MEASURES Alberta Municipal Affairs has defined benchmarks that measure whether a municipality has maintained a reasonable level of borrowing debt, as measured by the Debt to Revenue Percentage, and a reasonable level of borrowing repayment obligations, as measured by the Debt Service to Revenue Percentage. The County ended 2024 with a Debt to Revenue Percentage of 6.44% and a Debt Service to Revenue Percentage of 0.53%, both of which are well under the limits set by Municipal Affairs. 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Interest 127,661 162,479 253,188 242,616 231,515 219,857 207,614 194,755 181,249 167,060 Principal 110,773 140,638 220,603 231,175 242,277 253,934 266,177 279,036 292,543 277,384 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 Th o u s a n d s Estimated Principal and Interest Repayments COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 21 Restricted Surplus Summary Restricted surplus funds are included as part of the County’s accumulated surplus. Restricted surplus funds are a critical component of the County’s long-term financing and capital plans. Restricted Surplus Policy POL-014-23 establishes specific restricted surplus funds to provide for emergent financial needs, stabilize tax rates, set aside funds for the replacement of equipment, machinery, vehicles, infrastructure, and facilities, and minimize the financing needs of the County. Restricted surplus funds offer liquidity which enhances the County’s flexibility in addressing operating and capital requirements. The level of restricted surplus will vary depending on: • Services provided by the County • Age and condition of infrastructure, inventory of fleet and vehicles supporting County operations • Internal debt and restricted surplus policies • Economic conditions and projections The County prepares a ten-year restricted surplus projection as part of the annual budget process. This projection includes the estimated transfers to restricted surplus, guided by the Restricted Surplus Policy, as well as the transfers from restricted surplus that fund the County’s ten-year capital plan. This projection allows the County to model the impact of different underlying assumptions for asset replacement costs on its long-term financial position and informs decisions on an appropriate level of annual surplus to target in the budget. Projected restricted surplus fund balances and the purpose for each fund are summarized below. Recreation Fund Established to build funds for future replacement, or new construction, of recreation facilities within the region of the County. This fund has also been utilized in the recent past to fulfill new funding obligations required in accordance with new or revised recreation funding agreements with partner municipalities. Vehicles, Machinery & Equipment Fund Established to provide funds for the scheduled replacement of existing vehicles, machinery, equipment and office furnishings when they reach the end of their useful lives. Funding is provided through an annual transfer of not less than 100% of the annual amortization on the County’s vehicles, machinery and equipment classes of tangible capital assets, in addition to any proceeds from the disposal of these assets. Fire Apparatus Fund Established to build funds for future replacement of fire apparatus of the various fire districts within the County. Funding is provided through an annual transfer based on the fire capital plan as determined in the approved budget. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 22 Facilities Fund Established to provide funds for the rehabilitation or replacement costs of existing County buildings, recreational facilities and parks when they reach the end of their useful lives. Funding is provided through an annual transfer of not less than 50% of the annual amortization on County buildings, recreational facilities and parks. Infrastructure Fund Established to fund the rehabilitation or replacement costs of existing County infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, when it reaches the end of its useful life. Funding is provided through an annual transfer of not less than 50% of the annual amortization on the County’s infrastructure. This fund helps meet the County’s goal of limiting borrowing for replacing existing infrastructure. Paving Fund Established to build funds to be used specifically for paving County roads through an annual transfer to the Paving Fund included in budget equivalent to the value of applying a mill rate of 0.5000 to all taxable properties. Future Projects Fund Established to build funds to support new programs, capital purchases and projects planned to be completed in future years. These savings are used to help fund expansion with minimal debt financing. Funding is provided through an annual transfer as determined in the approved budget. Regional Enhancement Fund To extend the regional collaboration philosophy of the Regional Enhancement & Cooperation agreement and build funds to support capital projects that have a regional benefit, on a cost-shared basis, with the other municipalities within the County. Stabilization Fund Established to provide for unanticipated expenditures of a non-recurring nature and/or meet unexpected increases in costs. This fund is to be maintained with a minimum balance that does not fall below 10% of the current year operating budget expenses and is funded through an annual transfer as determined in the approved budget. Tilley Fund This fund accommodates Order in Council 250/2013 which dissolved the Village of Tilley and requires the County to use the money received from the Village on its dissolution, and any money received from the sale of any assets of the Village sold by the County before December 31, 2018 only for the purposes of paying or reducing a liability of the former Village, or for projects in the former area of the Village. The balance of this fund is expected to be used in 2025 to fund the old Tilley landfill reclamation project. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 23 BUDGET BY FUNCTION The County divides its operations by the various functions which provide services throughout the County. The budgets by function that follow provide: • A summary of the services and programs provided by each function • Key accomplishments of the current year • Key priorities for the coming budget year • Statistics and performance measures • Authorized staffing list The County maintains an inventory of statistics and performance measures showing the quantity (volume of effort), quality (efficiency and satisfaction), and result (outcome) of the services it provides. The statistics and performance measures included in the budget document are intended to demonstrate a commitment to, and accountability for, results. Targets and baselines have been added to provide the reader with some context around each of the measures. Targets are typically preceded by a less than (<), greater than (>), or equal to symbol (=). Baselines simply provide the average result for the number of years the measure is reported. The bottom line for each function, Net funding/(draw), indicates the amount of property tax revenue needed to fund the services provided by each function. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 24 General Government SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED Net municipal taxes and investment income are accounted for under the General Government function. This includes gross taxes received on all assessment types reduced by requisitions for the public and separate schools, designated industrial property and the Newell Housing Foundation. Taxable assessment values in the County increased by $382 million from the prior year. The increase consists of $352 million in growth and $29 million in inflation. Inflation is driven by changes in market values and changes to the cost modifiers which are set by Municipal Affairs. This assessment growth enabled tax rate decreases for residential properties of 3.94%, and 6.83% for non-residential properties and small business properties. The tax rate for farmland properties remains unchanged from the prior year. PERFORMANCE MEASURES Alberta Municipal Affairs has defined benchmarks that measure whether a municipality is able to rely in some measure on its non-residential tax base to generate a portion of its tax revenues, as measured by the Tax Base Ratio, and whether it is able to collect its tax revenues and use those funds to meet budgeted commitments and requisitioning obligations, as measured by the Tax Collection Rate. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 25 Legislative SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED GOVERNANCE The Legislative function provides for the costs of operating Council and a variety of committees. The County is divided into 10 electoral divisions which are represented by one elected Councillor that resides within the Division. Councillors serve for a period of four years between elections. Council is responsible for setting direction, establishing organizational priorities, approving policies and allocating resources through the annual budget. For the October 2025 municipal election, Council will be transitioning from 10 electoral divisions to 9 electoral divisions. The revised electoral division boundary map has also been included. The title for the Chief Elected Official for the County is “Reeve”. The Reeve, and Deputy Reeve, are elected by Council following an election and on an annual basis thereafter at the organizational meeting held in October. Appointments to a variety of boards and committees also occurs during the organizational meeting. By virtue of their election as a Councillor, each member of Council serves as a Fire Guardian and is a Commissioner for Oaths. Attendance at Council meetings is required unless otherwise excused. Councillors must vote on all matters being considered unless they have a clear conflict of interest on a matter being dealt with. Regular meetings of Council are held twice a month with the schedule subject to ratification by Council during the annual organizational meeting. 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County • Crop Diversification Centre South revitalization • SAEWA’s Energy from Waste Facility • Irrigation expansion • Continuing Care Capital Program – 14 Unit Small Care Home in Bassano 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County. • Establish a committee to review the Councillor’s Compensation and Benefits Policy, beginning of 2025. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County. • Advocacy against Federal policies related to carbon. Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County • Crop Diversification Centre South revitalization • SAEWA’s Energy from Waste Facility • Irrigation expansion • Continuing Care Capital Program – 14 Unit Small Care Home in Bassano COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 26 LEGISLATIVE STATISTICS & PERFORMANCE MEASURES COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 27 2025 Electoral Divisions Map COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 28 COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 29 Administration SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED Administration is comprised of the Chief Administrative Officer’s (CAO’s) office, the Executive, Finance, and Information & Technology departments. The CAO’s OFFICE is Council’s direct link to administration. The CAO is responsible for co-ordinating Council meeting agendas, providing recommendations on matters that Council direction is required on, assisting Council in the Strategic Planning process, initiating actions necessary for the implementation of strategic priorities that have been set by Council, and other corporate initiatives such as service delivery assessment and service standards. The EXECUTIVE is the official secretariat for Council and its committees. The division is responsible for corporate administration; processing, coordinating, and managing Council and Committee business; conducting elections and referenda; managing the information and privacy program; and managing the corporate records program. FINANCE SERVICES AND PROGRAMS The Finance Department is responsible for the overall management of the financial affairs of the County including: • Budgeting, accounting, audit and financial reporting; • Cash management of approximately $110 million dollars in investments is provided to maximize returns. • Accounts payable processing; • Payroll coordinates the production of three different payroll groups paid on a bi-weekly basis which includes full time and part time staff and also maintains benefits records for over 100 individuals. • Property assessment and tax collection. Assessment services determine property values for residential, farmland, commercial and industrial properties, and co-ordinates receiving values from the province for linear properties. Property values are determined on an annual basis and each residential property is specifically reviewed on a five-year rotation. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 30 • Managing an insurance program that sustains the County’s ability to deliver services to the community. • Managing debt – long-term debenture financing is typically coordinated with the Government of Alberta under the Local Authorities Capital Financing Act. • Managing grants – researching available grants/funding, working with other departments within the organization to coordinate eligible projects and submitting annual expenditure reports. 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #1 – An Environmentally Sustainable County • Will ensure that environmentally sustainable measures are in place for the retirement of assets subject to formal retirement to meet the new PS 3280 Asset Retirement Obligation standard. Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County & Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County • Work with financial institutions and investment firms to strengthen the long-term financial stability of the County’s finances. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County • Work with Communications Coordinator to promote County finances through social media & advertising of the Budget & Annual Report documents. Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County • Finance Staff in collaboration with Senior Management to work with RMA Insurance representatives to ensure adequate coverage and policies are in place to safeguard County assets and operations. 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County. • Update the County’s privacy program for changes related to Bills 33 & 34 Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County. • Review and recommend updates to the Terms of Reference for Joint Services Committee and Brooks Newell Region Economic Development. • Complete review of Administrative policies. • Electronic Documents and Records Management System – Sharepoint AP workflow Pilot Project • Explore options to offset costs of local not-for-profits insurance programs. FINANCE STATISTICS & PERFORMANCE MEASURES INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY (IT) DEPARTMENT Department Mission Statement: The IT department empowers the organization to securely meet their corporate strategic priorities, technical objectives, and business requirements by applying the core values of discipline, integrity, discernment, professionalism, accountability, reliability, innovation, and teamwork. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 31 IT SERVICES AND PROGRAMS APPLICATION ADMINISTRATION Software and applications are a critical part of day-to-day operations, and IT ensures that software is operating optimally. Software is used on workstations, servers, email, and network switches. IT investigates product issues, completes system upgrades and maintains the databases of the County’s core applications which include: • Dynamics GP/Diamond – financial system • Pearl/WorkTech – work orders, assets, job and equipment costing system • ESRI – GIS system • Laserfiche – electronic document and records management system • Microsoft Office BACKUP ADMINISTRATION Data backup mechanisms help safeguard the information assets of the County, prevent the loss of data in case of accidental deletion or corruption of data, system failure, or disaster, and permit timely restoration of information and business processes, should such events occur. Three backups are maintained, an on-site backup of production data, an off-site backup for Disaster Recovery, and a cloud off-site backup of critical systems. In addition, the County’s IT department is responsible to ensure that hosted applications have adequate backups on their hosted site. DEVICE MANAGEMENT The IT department is responsible for cell phones, conference room electronics, PCs/laptops, desktop phones, printers, tablets, vehicle electronics, GPS units and device disposal. This includes, but is not limited to, evaluating the ability of devices to meet business requirements and the purchasing, maintenance, and asset management of listed devices. GIS PROGRAM GIS provides graphic and visual representations of events, assets and work accomplishments. GIS links with other systems which allows data from different applications to be viewed and reported with the visual. The County participated Geospatial Maturity Index Survey from the Public Sector Digest in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022. No survey was held in 2020. In all four years, the County’s program ranked as the top performer among organizations of similar size and placed in the top 25 overall. Placing 11th, 10th and 9th over the four years. NETWORK ADMINISTRATION Network administration is vital to keeping data secure. This includes administration of a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Wireless Access Points (WAP), and network monitoring. Significant investments in hardware, software, and IT staff training are made to ensure the data is secure. IT HELP DESK COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 32 The IT Help Desk was established to provide improved customer service and to assist in managing IT staff workloads. The IT Help Desk is administered by the IT Administrative Assistant who is the first point of contact for all IT related service requests. Reports are sent monthly to department heads outlining the number of service requests closed in the period and itemizes any service requests outstanding. Progress is reviewed at each department meeting and individual team member performance is reviewed monthly. SERVER ADMINISTRATION Server Administration involves keeping both physical servers and virtual machines updated, proactively monitoring server performance, and managing licenses, warranties, and change. This contributes to the secure delivery of IT services and assists in meeting the service level expectations of the organization and ratepayers. REGIONAL IT IT offers its services to other municipalities in the region. Regional IT services are currently provided to the Town of Bassano, including provision of asset replacement schedules and budget estimates. Administration, research, development and visit prep time are not billed. The cost of these services is recovered through a fee charged for on- site visits and travel time. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION Community engagement and communication has been a corporate strategic priority for several years. The County has worked towards improving methods of community engagement by investing in applications and service capacity that interact with and serve the community. PROJECT MANAGEMENT The IT department has implemented and tailored industry standard methodologies and tools to assist the department to meet organizational objectives. Effective project management is critical for ensuring that the end results meet expectations. Developing formal project execution processes is a critical component for all size projects resulting in successful projects that deliver greater value to the organization. A formal project management approach to departmental operations, which engages the team in project management exercises and processes, facilitates governance over operations and systems that provides the path to a “big picture” view of the organization. 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County • IT Asset Management Improvement Action Plan. • Fire Hall Internet Connection and Firewall. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 33 • IT Hardware Replacements – printers, plotter, scanner, building maintenance system, video surveillance. • Aerial Photos. • Evidence Library – Hardware and Software. • Review and Update IT Policies. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County • Communication Strategic Plan Review. 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County. • IT Infrastructure Replacement • Web Map Replacement • Phone System Replacement • Questica Migration to Cloud • Printer Replacement • Active Directory Upgrade Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County. • IT Plan Review • IT Human Resources Map (Lean tool for training and skills gap analysis) • Backup Strategy Review ADMINISTRATION STAFFING Administration staffing levels are expected to decrease by 0.80 FTE with the removal of a Projects Assistant, and changes made to the County’s Human Resources function in 2024 which replaced the Human Resources Administrator position with allocations of the Manager of Personnel and Safety Service and Personnel and Safety Services Officers positions from Corporate Safety. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 34 ADMINISTRATION STAFF LIST COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 35 Corporate Safety SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGEMENT SERVICES Corporate Safety Services is responsible for the County’s Health and Safety Management System. The department’s primary function is to help ensure that safety directives and safe-work behaviours meet the County’s intent to provide a safe, healthy, and supportive workplace for everyone. The department works to ensure that the System conforms to Occupational Health and Safety Legislation and that industry best practices are considered during program development and operational activities. 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County • Ranked #1 out of 79 employers in the 2024 Large Business Experience Rating Program for Municipal Districts. As of May 30, 2024, the County of Newell had gone 1,643 days without a lost time accident. • Records inventory was updated for the Safety Department drive and files were moved to the new structure based on the document retention schedule. • Disposal of Transitory Documents from Network Drive (9 gigabytes), and destruction of Redundant, Obsolete & Transitory paper copies (32 Industrial sized garbage bags). • Laserfiche Empower 2024 conference attended by Corporate Safety Services Officer. • Reviewed and updated Health and Safety Management System elements, standards, and forms to reflect process and legislative changes. • Annual Health and Safety Meeting took place on May 30, 2024, with 83 in attendance. • Completed the Alberta Municipal Health & Safety Association’s One-Year Action Plan in lieu of the Year-One Maintenance Audit in 2024. It remains a work in progress, but it will be submitted to AMHSA by November 29, 2024. 2025 KEY PRIORITIES: Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County. • Ongoing maintenance and management and continuous improvement initiatives within the many faucets that make up the municipality’s Health and Safety Management System. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 36 • Coordinate, facilitate, and participate in the Annual Staff Safety Meeting. • Conduct the Certificate of Recognition Maintenance Audit for the organization’s Health and Safety Management System in 2025. • Implement a renewal notification process for supervisory staff in advance of safety certificate expiration. DISABILITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES The Disability Management System helps control the risks and costs of workplace injury and illness by encouraging injury prevention through pre-employment screening and promoting early and safe return-to-work where injury or illness occurs. The department coordinates injury recording and reporting and helps manage any medical directives issued by health care providers and the Worker’s Compensation Board. Recovery and rehabilitation of an injured employee may require modified work accommodation prior to a return to their regular duties. In these situations, Corporate Safety, the employee, and the employee’s supervisor collaborate to establish a modified work plan. 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County • Address electronic WCB Claim file errors related to inaccurate autoflow filing and naming conventions. • Transfer the closed 2019-2022 WCB Claim files to the Laserfiche repository. • Finalize the Psychological Health & Safety Management Program and implement based on available resources and organizational readiness. 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County. • Address electronic WCB Claim file errors related to inaccurate autoflow filing and naming conventions. • Transfer the closed 2019-2022 WCB Claim files to the Laserfiche repository. • Finalize the Psychological Health & Safety Management Program and implement based on available resources and organizational readiness. CORPORATE SAFETY STATISTICS & PERFORMANCE MEASURES CORPORATE SAFETY STAFFING Corporate Safety staffing levels are expected to decrease by 1.70 FTE with the removal of the Fire & Safety Services Administrative Assistant support position, and allocations of Manager and Officer positions to support the County’s Human Resources function in Administration. CORPORATE SAFETY STAFF LIST COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 37 Police Services SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED The Government of Alberta implemented a new police costing model for municipalities that previously received policing from the RCMP under the Provincial Police Services Agreement (PPSA). This new model was implemented on April 1, 2020 and contributes to a portion of the combined provincial and federal costs of front-line policing under the PPSA. The overall amount collected under the model increases each year, from 10% in year one, 15% in year two, 20% in year three, to 30% in years four and five. Each municipality’s cost requirement is based on a formula that weighs equalized assessment at 50% and population at 50%, and includes modifiers related to shadow populations, crime severity, proximity to detachment, and existing enhanced policing positions. The original estimated costs for the County under this new model are as follows: 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 214,547 393,568 536,446 787,136 858,805 COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 38 Fire & Emergency Services FIRE SERVICES SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED Fire and Emergency Services coordinates fire prevention and suppression, volunteer firefighter education, development of emergency management plans, and adherence to the County`s quality management plan through inspections, investigations, and disaster management. Assistance is provided to local fire chiefs and municipalities within the County which provides residents and businesses with effective and affordable service levels. FIRE PREVENTION Fire prevention begins with education. A fire prevention week campaign is held annually in October which provides educational materials to each fire hall which are distributed at local events and during school visits. These events are an important part of spreading the fire safety message. Fire permits and fire bans are used to restrict activities that have the potential to create fire issues. Fire permits alert fire departments to the locations and fuel sources of controlled fires which enhances fire safety in the County. FIRE SUPPRESSION Well trained fire suppression crews are equipped with modern equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) to provide a coordinated fire response throughout the County. Training sessions are provided through in-house practices and National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) training. The County is committed to providing quality COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 39 COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 40 training, modern equipment, and the PPE necessary to ensure the safety of the volunteer firefighters who are the backbone of this service. Approximately 173 dedicated volunteer firefighters support the ten fire halls which respond to all types of fires, motor vehicle collisions, water rescue, hazardous material responses, alarm calls, and medical co-response. Volunteers provide a valuable service and significant cost savings over paid full-time firefighters. FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES PARTNERSHIPS Fire and Emergency Services are provided through ten fire halls located throughout the County inclusive of our urban counterparts. Agreements for the shared provision of Fire and Emergency Services are in place with the City of Brooks, Town of Bassano and Villages of Rosemary and Duchess. The County funds ninety percent of annual operating expenditures and one hundred percent of all wheeled equipment and fire apparatus that require a Provincial license and registration of the fire departments under agreements with the Villages of Rosemary and Duchess. Oversight for the operations of the fire departments under these agreements is provided by a local Fire and Emergency Services Committee consisting of two Council members appointed from each municipality. The City of Brooks has been contracted to provide fire suppression and emergency response services for persons and property within the County’s Fire Divisions 5 and 10 which surround the City of Brooks. Costs of the fire service are shared under this agreement in proportion with the average percentage of call volumes generated by the County over the five-year period immediately preceding a given fiscal year (33.2% in 2023). Mutual Aid agreements are also in place with other neighboring municipalities that provide backup assistance for incidents when required. 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #1 – An Environmentally Sustainable County. • Continue to use products that minimize or eliminate negative impacts on the natural environment. Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County. • Continue with preventive approaches including inspections of public facilities and assistance provided to property owners and developers during the pre-development planning stage for new projects. Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County. • Recommendations from the 2023 Emergency Services Needs Assessment will be considered and a follow up action / implementation plan will be prepared. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County. • Ongoing efforts will be implemented to promote fire smart approaches when it comes to managing the fire risk on private property. Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County. • Continue to work with partner municipalities in pursuit of additional efficiencies in providing oversight for the Fire and Emergency Services function. • Transitioned operational and governance control of Bassano Fire Department to the County. 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #1 – An Environmentally Sustainable County. • Fire services will work to attain an environmentally sustainable county by implementing practices and use products that minimize their ecological footprint and promote the preservation of natural resources for future generations. Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County. • Continue conducting building safety inspections and work with communities on fire safety mitigation plans. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 41 • Assist with pre-development approvals to ensure the safety of new buildings and renovations of structures in communities. Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County. • Recommendations from the 2023 Emergency Services Needs Assessment will continue to be considered and a follow up action / implementation plan will be prepared. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County. • Fire prevention, through community engagement and education that promotes fire safety, provides support to County residents, and focus on environmental sustainability. Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County. • Continuing to collaborate with partner municipalities to enhance the Fire and Emergency Services, while striving for greater efficiencies and effectiveness in safeguarding our communities. FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES STATISTICS & PERFORMANCE MEASURES FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES STAFFING Fire and Emergency Services staffing levels are expected to increase by 1.5 FTE with the addition of a Regional Deputy Fire Chief and reallocation of Administrative Assistant capacity from Corporate Safety to Fire & Emergency Services. FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES STAFF LIST COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 42 DISASTER & EMERGENCY SERVICES EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT It is important to have properly equipped and trained professionals ready to respond when an emergency occurs. The County, Town of Bassano and the Villages of Duchess and Rosemary have established a regional emergency response partnership with formal authority for managing disaster responses within the four municipalities. The local Emergency/Disaster Plan is a mandatory part of the larger Provincial and Federal Government plans. 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #1 – An Environmentally Sustainable County. • Ensure that a Regional Emergency Management plan is in place to protect against loss of property and degradation of agricultural land from future wildfire events. Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County. • The updated Regional Emergency Management Plan will outline the approach applied for the protection of assets within the community, both public and privately owned. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County. • The Regional Emergency Management Plan will be completed, and measures taken to ensure organizational readiness for implementation in the event of a significant disaster event. Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County. • Work with urban partners to ensure there is a high degree of coordination between partner municipalities when it comes to long-term disaster planning and response efforts. 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #1 – An Environmentally Sustainable County. • The Newell Regional Emergency Management Plan emphasizes the significance of emergency preparedness and prioritizes enabling mitigation, preparedness, effective response, and timely recovery from any disaster incidents of scale. Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County. • Continue to develop the regional emergency management plan to help define how to best mitigate and protect all property, life and environment within all the counties communities and properties. Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County. • Prioritizing the protection of property, life, and the environment within all the county's communities and properties. By enabling mitigation, preparedness, effective response, and timely recovery from incidents COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 43 of scale in an emergency management plan contributes to ensuring the safety and stability of the county, and encouraging an environment for economic growth, community development, and overall prosperity Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County. • The Regional Emergency Management Plan when completed, will undergo a tabletop exercise to assess organizational readiness for implementation during a significant disaster event. Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County. • Collaborating as a regional team with our municipal partners in disaster will guarantee that future disaster planning is executed with the utmost quality, emphasizing long-term disaster plans and response efforts. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 44 Bylaw Enforcement SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED ENFORCEMENT The Municipal Enforcement Department responds to, and investigates, complaints throughout the region. The department educates people for purposes of complying with local bylaws and provincial legislation and regulations. Monthly educational and enforcement priorities follow the Alberta Traffic Safety Plan. MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIPS The department has partnered with the Villages of Duchess and Rosemary, Town of Bassano, and the EID on a cost recovery basis for enforcement services. Activities performed for these partners include education and enforcement of local bylaws and provincial legislation and regulations. JOINT OPERATIONS The department works closely with Alberta Fish and Wildlife Officers, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, City of Brooks Community Peace Officers (CPO’s), the local Brooks and Bassano RCMP, and local fire departments. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor participates by submitting monthly reports to the Safe Communities Committee and includes other community-based activities. EMERGENCY RESPONSE Municipal Enforcement responds to emergencies when called upon. This may include responding to motor vehicle collisions, grass fires, flood response and evacuations. The role of CPO’s in these situations is to provide traffic control, however they may be called in for other purposes where other emergency services may not be available. The Supervisor also acts as the County’s Deputy Disaster Services Coordinator. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 45 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County • Review and update four bylaws Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County • Review and update six Municipal Enforcement policies. • Continual updating and refinement of processes and procedures to increase efficiency and reduce inconsistencies. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County • Maintain and strengthen Municipal Partnerships. • Maintain and strengthen relationships with like Enforcement Agencies (RCMP, Fish & Wildlife, Conservation Officers, etc.). • Attend three community events (e.g., bike rodeo, rodeos, community events) • Conduct foot and bicycle patrols to improve communication with the public by making officers more approachable. 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County. • Continual updating and refinement of processes and procedures to increase efficiency and reduce inconsistencies. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County. • Maintain and strengthen Municipal Partnerships. • Maintain and strengthen relationships with like Enforcement Agencies (RCMP, Fish & Wildlife, Conservation Officers, etc.). • Attend three community events (e.g., bike rodeo, rodeos, community events) • Conduct foot and bicycle patrols to improve communication with the public by making officers more approachable. Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County. • Review and update four bylaws BYLAW ENFORCEMENT STATISTICS & PERFORMANCE MEASURES BYLAW ENFORCEMENT STAFFING Bylaw Enforcement staffing levels are expected to remain consistent with the prior year. BYLAW ENFORCEMENT STAFF LIST COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 46 Fleet Services SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS Fleet Services provides preventative maintenance and repair services to fleet, machinery, and equipment, including administering all warranties and recalls. Preventative maintenance of all fleet, machinery, and equipment is key in keeping them operational while maintaining low cost of ownership. Servicing and repairs may be contracted out when service capacity is not available, or the expertise of the manufacturer is required. VEHICLE INSPECTIONS Fleet Services is a licenced vehicle inspection facility and is responsible for maintaining all commercial vehicle files, conducting Commercial Vehicle Inspections (CVIP’s). FABRICATION Fabrication services are provided where necessary. This may include the fabricating of racking systems and/or attachments for field use where engineering is not required. Where engineering is required, fabrication work is outsourced. INVENTORY Fleet Services manages parts room and yard inventories for items such as filters, lubricants, and other consumables. Effective inventory management ensures regular inventory turnover to prevent accumulation of obsolete parts, ensuring space is available for required stock. Inventory control ensures inventory costs are maintained and assists in determining and maintaining adequate levels of stock. 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County • Research innovative opportunities to increase Fleet Services efficiency. • Develop Technician Productivity Measurement. • Asset Management Plan – Fleet & Equipment – Invest in completing tasks listed on the Improvement Plan. Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County • Review purchasing practices and ensure compliance with Purchasing Policy. Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 47 • Continue to seek opportunities with students interested in automotive and heavy-duty mechanic trades. • Seek opportunities for longer or better performing lubricants in all vehicles, machinery, and equipment. • Maintain vehicle inspection facility license in good standing. 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #1 – An Environmentally Sustainable County. • Explore opportunities for longer and better performing lubricants in all vehicles, machinery, and equipment. • Prepare to utilize fleet and equipment that meet new emission standards coming into effect. Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County. • Research innovative opportunities to increase Fleet Services efficiency. • Develop Technician Productivity Measurement. • Explore training opportunities that assist mechanics with repairs and maintenance of new technology in equipment. • Asset Management Plan – Fleet & Equipment – Invest in completing tasks listed on the Improvement Plan. Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County. • Maintain vehicle inspection facility license in good standing. • Explore the opportunity for the fleet department to provide services to other departments, thereby reducing the requirement for third party vehicle and equipment repairs and maintenance services. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County. • Promote opportunities with students interested in automotive and heavy-duty mechanic trades. Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County. • Review purchasing practices and ensure compliance with Purchasing Policy. • Regular team meetings, setting team goals and improving work plan scheduling. FLEET SERVICES STATISTICS & PERFORMANCE MEASURES+ FLEET SERVICES STAFFING Fleet Services staffing levels are expected to remain consistent with the prior year. FLEET SERVICES STAFF LIST COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 48 Roads, Streets, Walks & Lighting SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED GRAVEL ROADS Approximately 1,450 kilometers of gravel roads are maintained through regular grading in summer and snow removal in winter. Approximately 40,000 cubic meters of aggregates are distributed across approximately 25% of gravel roads annually. Dust abatement services are available at a subsidized rate under the Dust Abatement Program. PAVED ROADS Approximately 234 kilometers of paved roads are maintained with crack sealing, line painting and pothole repairs in the spring/summer. Snow and ice control services are provided in winter. Gravel road surfaces are upgraded to a paved surface based on the Council approved Paving Plan. Paved roads typically require a pavement overlay once every 20 years to maintain a defect free surface and preserve the original investment. Monitoring is ongoing, and paved roads are upgraded when the existing surface or structure shows signs of fatigue that cannot be remedied through regular preventative maintenance activities. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 49 COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 50 ROAD SIGNS Approximately 1,100 regulatory signs, 2,800 warning signs and 1,400 information signs are maintained on roads throughout the County. Road signs communicate the rules of the road and enhance the safety of drivers. Temporary signage is erected as warning devices to drivers where road maintenance and repair work is in progress. PERMITS & APPROVALS Over-dimensional and overweight loads, road approaches, seismic, texas gates, facility crossings, are all matters covered under permits and approvals. RoaData Services has been contracted to administer over-dimensional and overweight loads as required by Alberta Transportation in the TRAVIS MJ permitting system. Permit approvals and the associated inspections are completed by the County’s Approvals Officer. These include facility crossings, road approaches, texas gates, seismic and locating water lines including a contract with NRSC to locate their facilities. Inspection services for road approaches of new subdivisions and developments are also provided. BRIDGES There are 147 bridges within the County. Of these, 117 are bridge sized culverts, 28 are standard bridges, and 2 are major bridges. Provincially mandated bridge inspections are completed annually to assess the condition of the County’s bridges and prioritize preventative maintenance, repairs, and replacements. DRAINAGE Approximately 3,400 kilometers of roadside drainage is maintained as needed by removing silt, controlling vegetative growth, and repairing culverts. The County started collecting culvert data in the summer of 2024 and currently have 4200 culverts collected in GIS information system. The County and EID have a continuing partnership to improve drainage throughout the region. BRUSH CONTROL Tree cutting and brush removal is typically completed in winter months in areas where driver visibility is reduced, regular operations are adversely affected, and where snow drifting is problematic. EMERGENCY RESPONSE Emergency response support is provided as directed by the Fire & Emergency Department. Signage and flag persons are provided to control drivers and keep the public safe. Labour and equipment may be provided to make fire guards, supply water, douse burnt areas to prevent re-ignition of combustibles and provide flood response. RAILWAY CROSSINGS There are 23 road crossings of Canadian Pacific Railways in the County that are maintained in compliance with Transport Canada Rail Crossing Guidelines for public safety. 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County • Maintain and strengthen the Drainage partnership with the EID to reduce known overland flooding impacting private dwellings, structures, and land. Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County • Review EID Drainage Partnership project plan with Council for direction and priority setting. Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County & Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County • Construct Stage 2 of the Kinbrook Connection Pathway from TR180 to TR182. • Design, tender, and construct the Lake Newell Resort Pathway. • Asset Management Plans – Invest in completing tasks listed on the Improvement Plan for Paved Roads, Gravel Roads, Bridges, Fleet, Machinery and Equipment. Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County • Review Policies to ensure services provided are fair, consistent with needs, and in an efficient manner. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 51 • Continual updating and refinement of processes and procedures to increase efficiency and reduce inconsistencies. • Continue Grader Operator training to maintain better quality roads and reduce hourly costs. • Develop an Operational Manual for Municipal Services. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County • Maintain a system for tracking customer services requests (Newell Connect), and review for areas of improvement where similar issues and reports warrant alternative solutions to remedy. • Asset Management Plans – Identify opportunities to engage Council and the public to understand customer service level expectations, then incorporate expectations into the necessary Asset Management Plan(s). 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County. • Host the Kinbrook Connection Pathway Grand Opening Event. • Tender and construct the Hamlet of Lake Newell Resort Pathway. • Asset Management Plans – Invest in completing tasks listed on the Improvement Plan for Paved Roads, Gravel Roads, Bridges, Fleet, Machinery and Equipment. • Develop a gravel road rehabilitation plan based on recommendations of the Rural Road Study 2023. Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County. • Review Policies to ensure services provided are fair, consistent with needs, and in an efficient manner. • Continual updating and refinement of processes and procedures to increase efficiency and reduce inconsistencies. • Continue Grader Operator training to maintain better quality roads and reduce hourly costs. • Continue to refine the DRAFT Operational Manual for Municipal Services. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County. • Maintain a system for tracking customer services requests (Newell Connect), and review for areas of improvement where similar issues and reports warrant alternative solutions to remedy. • Asset Management Plans – Identify opportunities to engage Council and the public to understand customer service level expectations, then incorporate expectations into the necessary Asset Management Plan(s). Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County. • Maintain and strengthen the Drainage partnership with the EID to reduce known overland flooding impacting private dwellings, structures, and land. MUNICIPAL SERVICES STATISTICS & PERFORMANCE MEASURES COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 52 MUNICIPAL SERVICES STAFFING Municipal Services staffing levels are expected to increase by 1.42 FTE. This adjustment accounts for the Engineering Supervisor role, which was initially planned as a partial capacity increase in the Engineering Technologist position in 2024, now allocated at full-year capacity and replacing a Records Management Technician in Administration with a General Administrative Assistant stationed in the Municipal Services Department. MUNICIPAL SERVICES STAFF LIST COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 53 Airport SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED BROOKS REGIONAL AIRPORT (CYBP) The Brooks Regional Airport is owned 50/50 by the County and the City of Brooks. The airport serves the City and the County for agricultural applications, flight training and air charter needs. Airport operations are managed by the City, however, the County assists when requested. The airport features one 980-meter (3,216 feet) asphalt runway and one 881-meter (2,889 feet) gravel runway. An AvGas fuel system is available for airport users to purchase fuel. The self-serve fuel system currently has AvGas (100LL) fuel only and accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express. In addition, an area navigation system (RNAV) is in place to assist pilots with local navigation. BASSANO AIRPORT (CEN2) The Bassano Airport is owned and operated by the Town of Bassano with operating costs shared 50/50 by the Town and the County under an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) agreement. The airport services the Town and the County for agricultural applications, flight training, and air charter needs. The airport has an asphalt runway which is 899 meters (2,950 feet) in length. 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County. • Replace runway lighting at Brooks Airport as recommended by the Airport Commission. Operating costs should decrease due to LED lighting and modern underground wire being installed as part of the project. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 54 Water SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC) has been contracted to manage, operate, and maintain all aspects of the County’s treated water distribution and facilities. NRSC supplies treated water to hamlets and rural users through the regional water pipeline. Water quality is managed by NRSC in accordance with standards set by Alberta Environment. In addition, the Provincial Laboratory of Public Heath performs microbiological testing of drinking water samples taken by NRSC as required. Water rates are proposed to increase annually by approximately 3% to reduce the subsidy required from general property tax revenues to operate the systems. HAMLET WATER SYSTEMS Water utility operating costs are recovered in part through a two-part water rate consisting of a fixed charge and a volumetric charge. The fixed portion of the user rate is used to recover customer related costs for metering, billing, and collecting, as well as other fixed costs of the system. The volumetric charge is based on user’s actual water usage and covers the cost of the treated water and a portion of other variable costs of the system. RURAL WATER SYSTEM The rural water system is supplied by NRSC’s regional water pipeline and supplies customers with up to 300 gallons (1.36 cubic metres) of potable water per day. Of the 1,793 registered rural water users 1,396 or 78%, are active. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 55 WATER SYSTEM MONITORING The County analyzes the consumption trends of users within each hamlet and rural water systems compared to the volume of water supplied. A loss rate between 0-8% is within normal operating standards, loss rates between 9-20% requires a decision on whether further investigation is warranted and loss rates greater than 20% should be investigated with a water audit, appropriate intervention, and evaluation of intervention efforts. WATER BUDGET BY SYSTEM LOCATION 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County • Maintain and strengthen relationship with NRSC to provide potable water service to customers. Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County • Construct Rural Water Phase II – Contract 2, 3 & 4. • Asset Management Plan – Water – Invest in completing tasks listed on the Improvement Plan. • Investigate water loss rate in Hamlets and seek to resolve to acceptable standards. Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County • Install water sample stations in Hamlets as recommended by Alberta Environment. • Execute Preventative Maintenance Program (Flushing, Valve and Curb Stop Exercising, and Water Quality Sampling & Testing) to ensure systems are compliant with Alberta Environment. • Continual updating and refinement of processes and procedures to increase efficiency and reduce inconsistencies. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County • Maintain system for tracking customer services requests (Newell Connect), and review for areas of improvement where similar issues and reports warrant alternative solutions to remedy. 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #1 – An Environmentally Sustainable County. • Update Water & Sewer Bylaw to include Drought Plan Guidelines. Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 56 • Construct Rural Water Phase II – Contract 4. • Asset Management Plan – Water – Invest in completing tasks listed on the Improvement Plan. • Investigate water loss rate in Hamlets and seek to resolve to acceptable standards. Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County. • Maintain and strengthen relationship with NRSC to provide potable water service to customers. • Install water sample stations in Hamlets as recommended by Alberta Environment. • Continue Preventative Maintenance Program (Flushing, Valve and Curb Stop Exercising, and Water Quality Sampling & Testing) to ensure systems are compliant with Alberta Environment. • Continual updating and refinement of processes and procedures to increase efficiency and reduce inconsistencies. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County. • Maintain system for tracking customer services requests (Newell Connect), and review for areas of improvement where similar issues and reports warrant alternative solutions to remedy. Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County. • Maintain and strengthen relationship with NRSC to provide potable water service to customers. WATER UTILITY STATISTICS & PERFORMANCE MEASURES COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 57 Wastewater SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC) has been contracted to manage, operate, and maintain all aspects of the County’s wastewater collection facilities and wastewater treatment facilities. Wastewater quality is managed by NRSC in accordance with standards set by Alberta Environment. HAMLET WASTEWATER SYSTEMS Wastewater utility operating costs are recovered through a fixed charge. The fixed charge is used to recover customer related costs such as billing and collecting as well as other fixed costs of the system. Wastewater rates are proposed to increase by 3% to reduce the subsidy required from general property tax revenues to operate the systems. The County analyzes the volume of wastewater pumped and treated of users within each hamlet. Above Canadian average generated wastewater (calculated on Canadian household average wastewater statistics) warrant investigation for infiltration and/or illegal household foundation drain connections. County staff work with NRSC where excessive wastewater volumes are identified. 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County • Complete recommended improvements of components of Lake Newell Resort Lift Station. • Invest in completing tasks listed on the Wastewater Asset Management Improvement Plan. • De-sludge Tilley Lagoons. • Complete Lagoon Sludge Assessment on Patricia, Rolling Hills, and Scandia Lagoons. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 58 Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County • Execute Preventative Maintenance Program (CCTV Inspection, Mainline Flushing, and Effluent Discharge) to ensure systems are compliant with Alberta Environment. • Continual updating and refinement of processes and procedures to increase efficiency and reduce inconsistencies. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County • Maintain a system for tracking customer services requests (Newell Connect), and review for areas of improvement where similar issues and reports warrant alternative solutions to remedy. 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County. • Invest in completing tasks listed on the Wastewater Asset Management Improvement Plan. Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County. • Execute Preventative Maintenance Program (CCTV Inspection, Mainline Flushing, and Effluent Discharge) to ensure systems are compliant with Alberta Environment. • Continual updating and refinement of processes and procedures to increase efficiency and reduce inconsistencies. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County. • Maintain a system for tracking customer services requests (Newell Connect), and review for areas of improvement where similar issues and reports warrant alternative solutions to remedy. WASTEWATER BUDGET BY SYSTEM LOCATION COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 59 Waste Management SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED WASTE MANAGEMENT The County is a regional partner in the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority (NRSWMA) which owns and operates the Newell Regional Landfill. NRSWMA also owns and operates six waste transfer stations which accept smaller loads of solid waste. Financial support is provided to NRSWMA through an annual per capita contribution funded from municipal property taxes. County residents and businesses are responsible for properly disposing of their waste at the regional landfill or the nearest transfer station. Recycling options are available in each hamlet and at NRSWMA transfer stations. NRSWMA is a member of the Southern Alberta Waste to Energy Association (SAEWA). That organization is pursuing the development of a facility which would process solid waste from several municipalities across southern Alberta to generate energy for purchase and use within nearby facilities or for export to the electrical grid. Supporting the development of this project is a priority for the County. SOLID WASTE COLLECTION The County provides solid waste collection services in the Hamlet of Tilley only through a contracted service provider. The Hamlet of Tilley residents and businesses cover 100% of the cost of this service. LANDFILL RECLAMATION Reclamation of the Tilley landfill is the only project left; work began in 2021 and is expected to be complete in 2025. For more information regarding the Newell Regional Landfill go to www.newellwastemanagement.com. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 60 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #1 – An Environmentally Sustainable County. • Closure and reclamation of the former Tilley Landfill in accordance with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas standards. • Support the Southern Alberta Energy to Waste Association (SAEWA) and their commitment to research and implementation of Energy Recovery from waste. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 61 Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED Grasslands Regional FCSS has been in operation since September 2004 and is an Intermunicipal organization that has four partners including the Villages of Rosemary, and Duchess, the County of Newell, and the City of Brooks. Board members from each municipality ensure that FCSS programs are carried out in accordance with the Family and Community Support Services Act and Regulation. Base funding for FCSS is cost-shared 80% Provincial and 20% Municipal. FCSS designs and delivers preventative social service programs that promote and enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities and build capacity to prevent or deal with crisis situations should they arise. For additional details please visit Grasslands Regional FCSS website at www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 62 Planning & Development SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED The Planning and Development department assists and directs landowners with subdivision and development, as regulated under the Municipal Government Act, the Subdivision and Development Regulations, the County’s Land Use Bylaw, and associated statutory plans. Standards and regulations are in place to control development and protect the interests of the County and its ratepayers. The department deals with development and construction permits, land use amendments, subdivision applications, road allowance closures, and other matters that relate to land development. DEVELOPMENT PERMITS One of the primary functions of the department is to process, issue, and manage Development Permits. Development permits are categorized into three types: residential, non-residential, and home occupation permits. Residential permits include dwellings (stick-built, moved-in or manufactured), additions and accessory buildings (sheds, garages, out-buildings). Non-Residential permits apply to commercial and industrial development, including new buildings, additions and accessory buildings associated with that development. Home occupation permits apply to landowners operating a business from their dwelling. CONSTRUCTION PERMITS These permits apply to all aspects of construction and include building, electrical, gas, plumbing and private sewage disposal systems. The County is accredited to issue construction permits under Alberta Safety Codes. Accreditation and the ability to issue permits internally help ensure developers are obtaining necessary permits, and it provides a local point of contact for those applying. Park Enterprises Ltd. is currently contracted to provide inspection services, plan reviews, and assist with the permitting process. SUBDIVISION A subdivision is the act of dividing a single parcel of land into two or more parcels, each to be given its own separate title. Subdivision rules are legislated by the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and the Subdivision and Development Regulation. The County’s Subdivision and Land Use bylaw provides subdivision policy for the land use districts within COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 63 the County. Land that is proposed for subdivision requires review and approval from the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) before a title for the new parcel(s) may be registered at Land Titles Office. LAND USE AMENDMENTS A Land Use Bylaw Amendment (rezoning) is required to change the land use district of a parcel of land. This allows for different uses to be developed on the property. The rezoning process includes a public hearing and three readings of the Use Bylaw by Council. AREA STRUCTURE PLANS Area Structure Plans (ASP) and Area Redevelopment Plans (ARP) are statutory documents that are adopted by bylaw and provide a framework for development on specific areas of land. An ASP describes the sequence of development on bare land parcels, where there is no or very little existing development. It also outlines the proposed land uses for the parcel, density of development, transportation routes, public utilities, and any other information relevant to development of the site. An ARP has the same purpose, except that existing development which is present on the parcel must be accommodated in the plan. ROAD RIGHT OF WAY CLOSURE AND LEASE OR SALE A road allowance is land where a public road is or could be constructed if the need arose. They are owned by the Province of Alberta but are under the care and control of the municipality. Planning and Development administers the process to close undeveloped road allowances. The most common reason to close a road allowance is to facilitate agricultural operations on adjacent lands. The County typically leases a closed road allowance to an adjacent landowner for a period of ten years. In some special circumstances a landowner may request to purchase the closed road allowance. These cases are reviewed by the department and a recommendation is brought to Council. A road allowance must be closed through the formal bylaw approval process, while a surveyed road plan can be closed by resolution. The closure process by bylaw includes a public hearing, three readings of Council and approval from the Provincial Minister of Transportation. Closure by resolution requires written consent from adjacent landowners and a Council resolution. Once approved for closure, a sale or lease agreement is finalized with the applicant. REAL PROPERTY REPORTS (RPR) AND COMPLIANCE A compliance letter may be requested by a landowner when a parcel of land is put up for sale. Compliance letters are not a compulsory service of a municipality but are offered to assist with property transfers. For compliance to be assessed, a Real Property Report, prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor, must be submitted with the request. All development on a parcel must comply with the current Land Use Bylaw for a Compliance Certificate to be issued. INQUIRIES, SERVICE REQUESTS AND ENFORCEMENT Requests for information regarding land-related issues, and enforcement are addressed by the Planning and Development department. The department works closely with the Community Peace Officers to ensure Bylaws are being implemented and members of the community are being treated fairly and equitably. 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County • Work with our Urban partner municipalities to update Intermunicipal Development Plans. • Work with the local school districts to prepare Joint Use Planning Agreements. Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County • Complete updates to statutory framework to ensure policies align with each other. • Assess the capacity of the department and plan for any future needs. Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County • Continual updating and refinement of processes and procedures to increase efficiency and reduce inconsistencies. • Review and update three policies. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 64 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #1 – An Environmentally Sustainable County. • Continue to increase internal and public awareness of other legislation and regulators that control development in the County. Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County. • Complete updates to the Land Use Bylaw and Statutory Framework to ensure development is a streamlined, efficient process for developers. Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County. • Continue to work with Council and the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) on refining the process for large scale renewable developments in the Province. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County. • Work with the EID and other partners to ensure there is efficient use of lands and reducing conflicts. • Work with Municipal partners on encouraging communication and collaboration with updating Intermunicipal Development Plans. Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County. • Review and update policies which have yet to be reviewed this council term. • Continue to update processes and procedures to produce the best service possible (Red Tape Reduction efforts) to developers and other stakeholders. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT STATISTICS & PERFORMANCE MEASURES PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT STAFFING Planning and Development staffing levels are expected to remain consistent with the prior year. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT STAFF LIST COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 65 Agricultural Services SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED WEED INSPECTION & CONTROL Under the Weed Control Act, Agricultural Services must ensure that noxious weeds do not spread, and that prohibited noxious weeds are destroyed. The department monitors and controls noxious and prohibited noxious weeds to preserve a viable agricultural land base. Approximately 550 known weed infestations are recorded, mapped, and managed in a weed infestation database. Weed Inspectors share best management farming practices with producers to reduce the impact of weeds. Considerable time is invested spraying weeds and brush on County property, roads and right of ways. Our program encourages landowners and leaseholders to reduce the impact of regulated weeds on the lands they manage. Multiple spray units are maintained however, weed control is more than just spraying, it can also be cultural (practice changes) or mechanical (mowing, picking, tilling). Weed inspection and control services are provided to municipalities within the County on a cost recovery basis. Under the Weed Control Act, Agricultural Services is responsible to inspect private seed cleaning plants. This is done in the fall on all four seed cleaning plants. PEST CONTROL Coyotes are regulated under the Agricultural Pests Act. The County provides a financial incentive for hunters to control coyote populations under the Coyote Control Incentive Program (CCIP) rather than hiring staff. The CCIP program typically runs from December 1st to March 31st. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 66 When coyote incidents occur, Agricultural Services completes an investigation, recommends practice changes to the landowner, provides education on proper coyote control methods and as a last resort will issue a toxicant to control these predators. A coyote survey is completed every year and sent to Regulatory services which is used as a guide to ensure the CCIP program is not having a detrimental effect on coyote populations. PEST INSPECTION AND SURVEYS Monitoring for pests under the Agricultural Pests Act is completed through surveys. Inspections are performed in response to reports from ratepayers. Surveying assists in determining infestation levels and developing a response. Surveys are currently completed for fusarium graminearum, bacterial ring rot, clubroot and grasshoppers. To reduce the risk of contracting or spreading bacterial ring rot and other potato diseases Agricultural Services is equipped to provide disinfecting services to producers for their potato equipment and storage sheds. Agricultural Services is responsible for rat control and will investigate all reported rat sightings and if an infestation is confirmed control measures are put in place to keep Alberta rat free. Educational materials are provided to ratepayers and industry partners on the damaging effects pests can have on producers as well as best management practices to mitigate infestations. Communication is key with many emails being sent to environmental consultants, meetings held as needed and fielding several phone calls on the subject. RURAL BEAUTIFICATION The Rural Beautification Award recognizes residents that beautify their yards and improve the image of the County. An annual tour of nominated properties is the highlight of this program which helps cultivate a positive County image and provides Agricultural Services with an opportunity to build positive relationships with County residents. SOIL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS Agricultural Services administers the Soil Conservation Act. It is our duty to keep soil in the field where it belongs. This program has been effective in establishing shelterbelts and encouraging the adoption of zero and minimal till farming, which has drastically reduced the time commitment required in this area. However, there are still times that a Notice to Remedy Soil Erosion must be issued. Various equipment and snow fencing are available to assist producers that may need to provide cover or rectify soil erosion issues. Seed drills for both conventional and no till farming practices are available for rent. The shelterbelt tree planting program also supports soil conservation. Shelterbelts limit soil erosion, promote snow retention, reduce feeding costs for confined feeding operations, provide wildlife habitat and protect livestock from the wind. The Agricultural Services Department partners with the Eastern Irrigation District to offer a shelterbelt program. Staff and financial resources are made available to be utilized with the PHD program. . MOWING PROGRAMS Agricultural Services manages two distinct mowing programs. The roadside mowing program facilitates proper drainage, reduces flooding, and promotes road safety by reducing snow drifting and opening sight lines for drivers. Approximately 6,400 kilometres (one way) of roadside are mowed with a 15-foot pass, except for high traffic roads which receive a 25–30-foot pass. About 1,200 hours of mowing and 200 hours of weed whipping is completed in hamlets, around county facilities and entrance corridor map signs, subdivisions, airports, for ratepayers (under policy) and in other areas under contract. Currently Agricultural Services does not mow every subdivision due to safety hazards caused by thrown rocks. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 67 ROADSIDE SEEDING Roadside seeding is completed after construction projects to reduce soil erosion and prevent weed infestations. Seeding is completed in late fall as resources become available. Fall seeding also prevents the seed from germinating until spring taking advantage of spring moisture. ALBERTA CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION CONTRACT (ACA) The department works with the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) on shelterbelt plantings, reseeding of grass and is contracted to manage the Aqueduct Trout Pond area, and parking lots at Buck for Wildlife sites in Millicent, the Sproule Property, the Potiuk property and the Interlake. Work at the Aqueduct Trout Pond includes mowing grass, weekly garbage removal, road maintenance and weed control. REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Agricultural Services maintains a fleet of vehicles, sprayers, tractors, ride on mowers, roadside mowing units, UTV’s, livestock equipment, and other miscellaneous equipment. OTHER AWARDS Council nominates a farm family for the Calgary Stampede Farm Family awards each year. This program is well received by the nominees and helps create a positive image for the hard-working farmers of our region. Agricultural Services also manages the County’s 100-year Farm awards which recognizes farm operations that have been in the area for 100 years. To date there have been no applications to receive the 100 Year Farm recognition. FACILITY MAINTENANCE Agricultural Services oversees the maintenance of all County facilities. Facilities are maintained at an appropriate level through relationships with contractors, regular maintenance and a dedicated facilities staff member. 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #1 – An Environmentally Sustainable County • Help to limit Soil erosion concerns. • Work with landowners to limit spread of noxious weeds and destroy prohibited noxious weeds. Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County • Help encourage new agricultural ventures. Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County • Update the ASB on agriculture matters, update Agricultural Services Policies. 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #1 – An Environmentally Sustainable County. • Education campaign for landowner responsibilities under the weed control act and best management practices. • Continue to work with landowners to limit potential soil erosion concerns. • Work with producers to complete their Environmental Farm Plans. Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County. • Offer Weed Free Forage program Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County. • Complete renovations at new Bassano Fire Hall COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 68 AGRICULTURAL SERVICES STATISTICS & PERFORMANCE MEASURES AGRICULTURAL SERVICES STAFFING Agricultural Services staffing levels are expected to increase by 2.0 FTE with the temporary addition of capacity in the Agricultural Technician role that will address succession planning and business continuity within the department and the addition of a new position, Projects Coordinator – CDC South, that will assist with revitalization efforts at the CDC South. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES STAFF LIST COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 69 Community Services SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED VICTIMS ASSISTANCE The Victims Assistance Program is administered by the Brooks & County Victims Services Unit through a partnership with the RCMP. Victim services operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week. In conjunction with the RCMP, trained volunteers will offer immediate short term, confidential assistance for victims of crime and tragedy in the region. Under this program victims are offered support, information, and referrals to help them cope and empower them to make decisions that can be complicated and difficult when faced with extraordinary circumstances. SAFE AND CARING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM The Safe and Caring Communities Program is a partnership administered by the City of Brooks and governed by the Brooks & Newell Safe Communities Committee. The committee’s mandate is to foster the creation of a safe and secure community. MINI BUS SERVICE The Mini Bus provides transportation service from an individual’s residence to locations within City of Brooks for a variety of needs. Primary users of the service are seniors and individuals with limited mobility and special transportation needs. The service operates on a fixed schedule on weekdays, except for statutory holidays when no service is provided. The bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift, but patrons must be mobile enough to get around without assistance from the bus driver or be accompanied by an able-bodied person who can assist them. The service operates a regular schedule which provides rotating coverage throughout the County as shown below. Monday Tuesday** Wednesday* Thursday Friday Tilley Scandia Gem/Duchess or Patricia Rolling Hills Bassano *Service on Wednesdays alternates between Gem/Duchess and Patricia ** Service is every other Tuesday, with the off Tuesday vacant The Mini Bus is also available for special community events provided a driver is available. This initiative and others keep the service visible to patrons and the hope is that these efforts will increase ridership. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 70 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #1 – An Environmentally Sustainable County • Efforts to increase ridership will reduce the number of vehicles used by patrons to access services. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County • The continued provision of the service will enable residents in need to remain in their homes and still be able to independently access essential services. 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #1 – An Environmentally Sustainable County. • Efforts to increase ridership will reduce the number of vehicles used by patrons to access services. Guiding Principle #4 – A Socially Responsible County. • Provide support to citizens to who are mobility limited or lack resources to access private transportation to reduce the risk of isolation and access services in Urban centers. Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County. • The continued provision of the service will enable residents in need to remain in their homes and still be ble to independently access essential services. MINI BUS STATISTICS & PERFORMANCE MEASURES COMMUNITY SERVICES STAFFING Community Services staffing levels are expected to remain consistent with the prior year. COMMUNITY SERVICES STAFF LIST COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 71 Economic Development SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED Economic Development initiatives are overseen by the Joint Services Committee that is comprised of the Chief Elected Officials of each of the Municipalities in the Region, as well representatives from the Eastern Irrigation District and Grasslands Regional Schools. The Joint Services Committee has developed a set of Strategic Focus Areas, which include Business Retention and Expansion, Workforce Development, Marketing, and Tourism. City of Brooks staff coordinate Brooks Newell Region economic development efforts and implement activities approved in the budget. BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION Business Retention & Expansion is the process of supporting and nurturing current businesses within the Region. Since 80% to 90% of economic growth comes from the expansion of existing businesses, the importance of a strong Business Retention & Expansion program becomes obvious. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Labour force is one of the most important variables in economic development as it forms a basis for economic development strategy. Recognizing the linkage between labour capacity and economic development, the Region must work to ensure there is a sufficient workforce to support existing businesses as well as expanding and new businesses. MARKETING Sharing positive messages about the region, its communities, businesses, organizations, and people helps showcase the region as a great place to live, work, and invest. Continued marketing efforts using diverse and creative methods in traditional and new media will help the rest of the world recognize the competitive advantages and assets in our Region. TOURISM The Brooks Newell Region is home to some of the most desirable natural and manmade tourist attractions in Alberta and should be celebrated as a destination of choice. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 72 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County. • Crop Diversification Centre South Initiative – secured ten year lease agreements with the Government of Alberta. • Provided funding support for SAEWA initiatives. Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County • Review and recommend changes to Joint Services Committee Terms of Reference. 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #2 – A Growing County. • Newell Regional Hydrogen Hub Initiative – pilot project. • Crop Diversification Centre South Initiative – secure tenants and incorporate a not-for-profit organization to oversee the Crop Diversification Centre South. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 73 Recreation SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED Recreation services are provided through various arrangements. They include joint agreements between the County and the urban communities within, and situations where recreation funds are allocated to various groups or recreation facilities by a Board whose membership represents recreation service providers within the respective recreation area. 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County • Work with Recreation providers within the County on the Newell RecConnect project to increase public awareness of their facilities in pursuit of higher utilization rates. • Establish agreements with Recreation providers the County provides with grant funding. 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #5 – A Well Governed County. • Establish a recreation services agreement for the Tilley Recreation Area. • Update and renew the recreation services agreement with the City of Brooks. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 74 Parks & Programs SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED EMERSON BRIDGE PARK CAMPGROUND Emerson Bridge Park Campground boasts 12 full service sites, 49 - 15/30-amp power stalls, 20 non-power sites and an overflow area. Many sites are double occupancy allowing campers to be as close to family and friends as possible. Free showers and flush toilets are available as well as a playground, ball diamond, horseshoe pits, hiking trails, canoe launch and camp kitchen. 2024 KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County • Maintain low cost recreation areas in a usable fashion. • Maintain Emerson Bridge Park in a welcoming manner and help with other campgrounds as needed. 2025 KEY PRIORITIES Guiding Principle #3 – A Prosperous County. • Maintain low-cost recreation areas • Investigate new pump track as an attraction to Emerson Bridge Park Campground PARKS AND RECREATION Agricultural Services oversees some of the maintenance and responsibilities included in Parks and Recreation. Agricultural Services inspects playground equipment regularly to reduce the risk of safety concerns and replaces parts as necessary. In most cases, the recreation facilities throughout the County are owned, operated, and maintained by third parties. This includes community halls, arenas, curling rinks, etc. For this reason, the County has limited involvement in their operation and maintenance. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 75 PARKS & PROGRAMS STATISTICS & PERFORMANCE MEASURES PARKS AND RECREATION STAFFING Parks and Recreation staffing levels are expected to remain consistent with the prior year. PARKS AND RECREATION STAFF LIST COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 76 Library & Culture SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED LIBRARY Library services are provided through the County of Newell Library Board which is a separate corporate entity whose members are appointed by County Council. The Board consists of ten (10) members (nine members at large and one member of Council). The Board was created through a bylaw passed by the County of Newell Council in 1977. The governing legislation that applies to the operation of the Board is the Libraries Act. The Board is a member of the Shortgrass Regional Library System. Funds generated for library services through the municipal mill rate are allocated to the Shortgrass Regional Library system and the Board. The Board in turn redirects the revenue received from the County to the individual library service centers operating within the County. Those locations include a combination of dedicated municipal library service facilities operating in the City of Brooks, the Town of Bassano, and the Village of Duchess. Joint service facilities that utilize libraries in several schools operated by Grasslands Regional Schools are also funded. Those joint use facility locations include the schools in Rainier, Rolling Hills, and Rosemary. A small standalone library service is also operated by funding through the County of Newell Library Board in the Hamlet of Gem. The Tilley Library, which also receives funding through the Library Board, is located within the Tilley Senior Centre. CULTURE The County has entered into an agreement with the City of Brooks whereby the County provides funding to the City for culture services provided to County residents. As part of that agreement the City provides County residents with access to its culture services at the same user rates as City residents. Culture service costs are primarily facility related and include the Community Cultural Centre, Arts & Culture Centre, and the Prairie Pioneers facilities. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 77 APPENDICES COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 78 Di v i s i o n J o b I D As s e t C a t e g o r y As s e t T y p e Pr o j e c t T y p e De s c r i p t i o n Ju s t i f i c a t i o n 20 2 5 B u d g e t P r o c e e d s D e b t / L . I m p G r a n t s R . S u r p l u s T a x e s 12 - A D M I N I S T R A T I O N 12 7 0 - 0 0 0 1 Ve h i c l e s - 1 / 2 t o n Re p l a c e me n t R e p l a c e 1 / 2 t o n - C h i e f Ad m i n i s t r a t i v e O f f i c e r Un d e r e n t e r p r i s e f l e e t m a n a g e m e n t p r o g r a m 64 , 1 1 5 54 , 4 9 8 9,6 1 7 - 12 7 0 - 0 0 0 2 Ve h i c l e s - 1 / 2 t o n Re p l a c e me n t R e p l a c e 1 / 2 t o n - S e n i o r As s e s s o r Un d e r e n t e r p r i s e f l e e t m a n a g e m e n t p r o g r a m 64 , 1 1 5 54 , 4 9 8 9,6 1 7 - L1 - 0 0 1 3 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - C o m p u t e r S y s t e m s - So f t w a r e Re p l a c e m e n t W e b M a p ( I n t e r n a l ) Th e c u r r e n t w e b m a p w a s d e s i g n e d i n 2 0 1 5 a n d i s sc h e d u l e d t o b e r e p l a c e d i n 2 0 2 5 . 50 , 0 0 0 50 , 0 0 0 - L1 - 0 0 3 6 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - C o m p u t e r S y s t e m s - Ha r d w a r e Re p l a c e m e n t T o s h i b a e S t u d i o 3 5 1 5 A C (E Q 2 5 0 7 5 ) R e p l a c e m e n t Pr i n t e r s a r e r e p l a c e d o n a 5 - y e a r c y c l e . A f t e r a u s e a n d co n d i t i o n a s s e s s m e n t , i t w a s d e t e r m i n e d t h a t re p l a c e m e n t c o u l d b e d e f e rr e d t o 2 0 2 5 . D e f e r r a l be y o n d 2 0 2 5 i s n o t r e c o m m e n d e d a s t h e e q u i p m e n t ca n n o l o n g e r s u p p o r t m o d e r n s e c u r e m e t h o d s o f em a i l s u s e d t o s e n d s c a n n e d d o c u m e n t s t o e n d u s e r s . 5,5 0 0 5,5 0 0 - L1 - 0 0 3 7 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - C o m p u t e r S y s t e m s - Ha r d w a r e Re p l a c e m e n t T o s h i b a e S t u d i o 3 5 1 5 a c (E Q 2 5 0 7 4 ) R e p l a c e m e n t Pr i n t e r s a r e r e p l a c e d o n a 5 - y e a r c y c l e . A f t e r a u s e a n d co n d i t i o n a s s e s s m e n t , i t w a s d e t e r m i n e d t h a t re p l a c e m e n t c o u l d b e d e f e r r e d t o 2 0 2 5 . D e f e r r a l be y o n d 2 0 2 5 i s n o t r e c o m m e n d e d a s t h e e q u i p m e n t ca n n o l o n g e r s u p p o r t m o d e r n s e c u r e m e t h o d s o f em a i l s u s e d t o s e n d s c a n n e d d o c u m e n t s t o e n d u s e r s . 5,5 0 0 5,5 0 0 - L1 - 0 0 4 2 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - C o m p u t e r S y s t e m s - Ha r d w a r e Re p l a c e m e n t I T I n f r a s t r u c t u r e S y s t e m T h e C o u n t y' s n e t w o r k w a s r e p l a c e d i n 2 0 2 0 a n d i s d u e to b e r e p l a c e d e v e r y 5 y e ar s . T h e s y s t e m w i l l b e re p l a c e d i n 2 0 2 5 a s n o t i c e w a s r e c e i v e d t h a t i t w i l l re a c h i t s e n d o f l i f e t h e n . T h e I T I n f r a s t r u c t u r e S y s t e m in c l u d e s s e r v e r U P S ' , s e r v e r s, a n d d i s a s t e r r e c o v e r y se r v e r s . 45 0 , 0 0 0 45 0 , 0 0 0 - L1 - 0 0 4 4 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - C o m p u t e r S y s t e m s - Ha r d w a r e Re p l a c e m e n t S c a n n e r Th e C o u n t y h a s t w o l a r g e s c a n n e r s u s e d f o r b a t c h sc a n n i n g r e l a t e d t o c o n v e r t i n g p a p e r d o c u m e n t s i n t o el e c t r o n i c d o c u m e n t s f o r t h e e l e c t r o n i c d o c u m e n t a n d re c o r d s m a n a g e m e n t s y s t e m . T h i s s c a n n e r w a s pu r c h a s e d i n 2 0 1 5 a n d i s d u e t o b e r e p l a c e d i n 2 0 2 0 . Re p l a c e m e n t i s b a s e d o n th e i d e n t i f i e d e s t i m a t e d us e f u l l i f e a n d c o n d i t i o n . 7,5 0 0 7,5 0 0 - L2 - 0 0 1 4 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - C o m p u t e r S y s t e m s - Ha r d w a r e Re p l a c e m e n t T o s h i b a e S t u d i o 3 0 5 5 C Re p l a c e m e n t Pr i n t e r s a r e r e p l a c e d o n a 5 - y e a r c y c l e . A f t e r a u s e a n d co n d i t i o n a s s e s s m e n t , i t w a s d e t e r m i n e d t h a t re p l a c e m e n t c o u l d b e d e f e r r e d t o 2 0 2 5 . D e f e r r a l be y o n d 2 0 2 5 i s n o t r e c o m m e n d e d a s t h e e q u i p m e n t ca n n o l o n g e r s u p p o r t m o d e r n s e c u r e m e t h o d s o f em a i l s u s e d t o s e n d s c a n n e d d o c u m e n t s t o e n d u s e r s . 5,5 0 0 5,5 0 0 - L2 - 0 0 1 6 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - C o m p u t e r S y s t e m s - Ha r d w a r e Re p l a c e m e n t T o s h i b a e S t u d i o 7 5 1 6 a c (Q 2 5 8 9 4 ) R e p l a c e m e n t Pr i n t e r s a r e r e p l a c e d o n a 5 - y e a r c y c l e . A f t e r a u s e a n d co n d i t i o n a s s e s s m e n t , i t w a s d e t e r m i n e d t h a t re p l a c e m e n t c o u l d b e d e f e rr e d t o 2 0 2 5 . D e f e r r a l be y o n d 2 0 2 5 i s n o t r e c o m m e n d e d . 19 , 0 0 0 19 , 0 0 0 - L2 - 0 0 1 7 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - C o m p u t e r S y s t e m s - Ha r d w a r e Re p l a c e m e n t T o s h i b a e S t u d i o F C 5 5 0 6 (1 8 7 6 0 ) R e p l a c e m e n t Pr i n t e r s a r e r e p l a c e d o n a 5 - y e a r c y c l e . C o n d i t i o n as s e s s m e n t a n d u s e a n a l y s i s j u s t i f i e s d e f e r r i n g re p l a c e m e n t t o 2 0 2 5 . 12 , 5 0 0 12 , 5 0 0 - L5 - 0 0 0 5 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - C o m p u t e r S y s t e m s - Ha r d w a r e Re p l a c e m e n t P h o n e S y s t e m Th i s a s s e t w a s n o t s c h e d u l e d f o r r e p l a c e m e n t u n t i l 20 2 9 . N o t i c e w a s r e c e i v e d i n 2 0 2 4 t h a t t h e c o m p a n y th a t p r o v i d e d t h e p h o n e s y s t e m w i l l n o l o n g e r b e pr o v i d i n g t h i s p r o d u c t o r se r v i c e a s o f M a r c h , 2 0 2 6 , re q u i r i n g t h a t w e r e p l a c e t h e s y s t e m i n 2 0 2 5 . 61 , 6 0 0 61 , 6 0 0 - Pe n d F A C - 0 0 0 2 L a n d I m p r o v e m e n t s - S p r i n k l e r Sy s t e m s N e w Ra w W a t e r Ir r i g a t i o n - C o u n t y Ya r d Ou r c u r r e n t s o l u t i o n t o i r r i g a ti n g t h e g r a s s i s b y u t i l i z i n g tr e a t e d w a t e r . W h e n m o v i n g t o t h i s f a c i l i t y w e d i d t h e co s t b e n e f i t a n a l y s i s a n d i t w a s d e t e r m i n e d t h a t i t w a s be t t e r t o d o i t t h i s w a y . R e ce n t l y o u r C i t y W a t e r b i l l h a s in c r e a s e d t o a p o i n t t h a t w e n e e d t o r e t h i n k o u r ap p r o a c h t o i r r i g a t i o n . 15 0 , 0 0 0 15 0 , 0 0 0 - Fu n d i n g S o u r c e Appendix I - Tangible Capital Asset Budget Items COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 79 Di v i s i o n J o b I D As s e t C a t e g o r y As s e t T y p e Pr o j e c t T y p e De s c r i p t i o n Ju s t i f i c a t i o n 20 2 5 B u d g e t P r o c e e d s D e b t / L . I m p G r a n t s R . S u r p l u s T a x e s PE N D I T 2 0 2 5 0 1 M a c h i n e r y & E q u i p m en t - C o m p u t e r S y s t e m s - So f t w a r e Re p l a c e m e n t E l e c t r o n i c D o c u m e n t s a n d Re c o r d s M a n a g e m e n t S y s t e m (E D R M S ) Th e C o u n t y h a s u s e d L a s e r f i c h e f o r i t s E D R M S s i n c e 20 0 4 . S i n c e t h e n t h e C o u n t y h a s p u r c h a s e d su b s c r i p t i o n s f o r M i c r o s o f t O f f i c e 3 6 5 f o r a l l C o u n t y em p l o y e e s . A s p a r t o f t h i s s u b s c r i p t i o n , e a c h u s e r h a s ac c e s s t o S h a r e P o i n t . S h a r e P o i n t i s a p o w e r f u l t o o l th a t h a s t h e a b i l i t y t o fill t h e r o l e o f E D R M S . Th e C o u n t y b u d g e t s a n n u a l l y f o r L a s e r f i c h e . T h e 2 0 2 4 La s e r f i c h e b u d g e t i s $ 6 8 , 0 8 5 . I m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f Sh a r e P o i n t a s a E D R M S i s e s t i m a t e d t o b e a o n e - t i m e fe e o f $ 1 3 5 , 0 0 0 - 1 7 5 , 0 0 0 a n d t a ke a p p r o x i m a t e l y 2 4 - 3 0 we e k s t o c o m p l e t e . 17 5 , 0 0 0 1 7 5 , 0 0 0 - 23 - F I R E pe n d M a c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - T o o l s & S h o p Eq u i p m e n t Re p l a c e m e n t E x t r i c a t i o n E q u i p m e n t V e h i c l e E x t r i c a t i o n f o r t h i s d e p a r t m e n t h a s b e e n de f e r r e d s i n c e 2 0 2 1 . I t i s n o w t i m e t o r e p l a c e t h i s eq u i p m e n t b e c a u s e o f i t s a g e . R e p l a c e m e n t e q u i p m e n t is l i g h t e r a n d e a s i e r f o r t h e v o l u n t e e r f i r e f i g h t e r s t o ha n d l e . 78 , 0 0 0 7 8 , 0 0 0 - 24 - D I S A S T E R A N D E M E R G E N C Y S E R V I C E S 91 4 - 2 0 2 5 V e h i c l e s - 1 / 2 t o n N e w 1 / 2 t o n f o r D e p u t y F i r e C h i e f P u r c h a s e n e w u n i t f o r D e p u t y F i r e C h i e f P o s i t i o n . 11 5 , 0 0 0 11 5 , 0 0 0 - 32 - R O A D , S T R E E T S , W A L K S , L I G H T I N G 09 1 8 0 - 2 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - B r i d g e s Re p l a c e m e n t re p l a c e B F 0 9 1 8 0 - 1 Br i d g e f a i l e d l a t e 2 0 2 3 . 5,5 0 0 5,5 0 0 - 12 3 - 2 0 1 5 Ve h i c l e s - G r a v e l T r u c k R ep l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 1 2 3 - 2 0 1 5 - We s t e r n S t a r 4 9 0 0 S b Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 5 2 5 , 0 0 0 52 5 , 0 0 0 - 14 5 - 2 0 1 5 Ve h i c l e s - 2 t o n Re p l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 1 4 5 - 2 0 1 5 - In t e r n a t i o n a l P i c k e r T r u c k Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 1 7 0 , 0 0 0 17 0 , 0 0 0 - 16 0 - 2 0 1 7 Ve h i c l e s - 3 / 4 t o n Re p l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 1 6 0 - 2 0 1 7 - 2 5 0 0 4x 4 c r e w c a b Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 8 5 , 0 0 0 85 , 0 0 0 - 16 1 - 2 0 1 7 Ve h i c l e s - 3 / 4 t o n Re p l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 1 6 1 - 2 0 1 7 - 2 5 0 0 4x 4 c r e w c a b Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 8 5 , 0 0 0 85 , 0 0 0 - 21 9 - 2 0 1 5 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - C h i pp e r Re p l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 2 1 9 - 2 0 1 5 - Ch i p p e r Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 8 5 , 0 0 0 85 , 0 0 0 - 22 9 - 2 0 2 5 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - T r a i l e r Re p l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 2 2 9 - 2 0 0 7 - P u p Tr a i l e r En d o f u s e f u l l i f e 85 , 0 0 0 85 , 0 0 0 - 23 2 - 2 0 2 4 Ve h i c l e s - G r a v e l T r u c k R ep l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 2 2 3 - 2 0 1 2 - We s t e r n S t a r 4 9 0 0 S b Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 43 9 , 6 0 2 k m ' s ( p u l l e d 2 0 2 3 - 1 0 - 1 8 ) . 29 6 , 3 6 2 29 6 , 3 6 2 - 28 7 - 2 0 1 2 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - T r a i l e r Re p l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 2 8 7 - 2 0 1 2 - R e n n Tr i - P u p Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 1 2 8 , 5 0 0 12 8 , 5 0 0 - 28 8 - 2 0 1 2 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - T r a i l e r Re p l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 2 8 8 - 2 0 1 2 - R e n n Tr i - P u p Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 1 2 8 , 5 0 0 12 8 , 5 0 0 - 32 6 0 - 0 0 0 6 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d s - G r a v e l M a i n te n a n c e E I D P a r t n e r s h i p On g o i n g c o m m i t m e n t t o d r a i n a g e p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h E I D , as p e r p o l i c y 2 0 1 4 - P P W - 0 6 0 - Dr a i n a g e - C o u n t y / E I D Jo i n t P r o j e c t s 1,0 0 0 , 0 0 0 1,0 0 0 , 0 0 0 32 6 0 - 0 1 2 9 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - A s p h a l t P a t h s N e w Re g i o n a l P a t h w a y - T R 1 8 2 t o Kin b r o o k I s l a n d P a r k Pr o j e c t r e c o m m e n d e d b y t h e E c o n o m i c R e c o v e r y T a s k Fo r c e C o m m i t t e e a n d J o i n t S e r v i c e s C o m m i t t e e . Fu n d r a i s i n g a n d g r a n t f u n d i n g y e t t o b e s e c u r e d . 75 7 , 6 1 5 20 8 , 0 7 8 54 9 , 5 3 7 - 32 6 0 - 0 1 4 1 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d s - A C P - H o t M i x M ai n t e n a n c e L N R - B l u e H e r o n ( B l o c k 1 ) - Ov e r l a y En g i n e e r i n g t e c h n i c a l r e v i e w o f e x i s t i n g p a v e d r o a d co m p l e t e i n 2 0 2 4 , e s t i m a t e b a s e d o n e n g i n e e r e d de s i g n r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s t o p r e s e r v e t h e o r i g i n a l in v e s t m e n t a n d e x t e n d t h e u s e f u l l i f e o f t h e r o a d . 1,7 0 0 , 0 0 0 1, 7 0 0 , 0 0 0 - 32 6 0 - 0 1 4 2 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d s - A C P - H o t M i x M a i nt e n a n c e L N R - W h i t e P e l i c a n ( B l o c k 4 ) - Ov e r l a y En g i n e e r i n g t e c h n i c a l r e v i e w o f e x i s t i n g p a v e d r o a d co m p l e t e i n 2 0 2 4 , e s t i m a t e b a s e d o n e n g i n e e r e d de s i g n r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s t o p r e s e r v e t h e o r i g i n a l in v e s t m e n t a n d e x t e n d t h e u s e f u l l i f e o f t h e r o a d . 3,2 0 0 , 0 0 0 3, 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 - 32 6 0 - 0 1 4 4 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d s - G r a v e l N e w TW P R D 1 9 2 N & H W Y 8 7 3 In t e r s e c t i o n I m p r o v e m e n t s Im p r o v e m e n t s a s p e r O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3 J B S A c c e s s Fe a s i b i l i t y R e p o r t c o m p l e t e d b y I S L E n g i n e e r i n g a n d La n d S e r v i c e s L t d . C o n s t r u c t i n g a n e w p a r k i n g l o t ac c e s s r o a d w i l l g r e a t l y r e d u c e t h e e x t e n t a n d d u r a t i o n of q u e u i n g a t t h e J B S C a n a d a f a c i l i t y . 1,2 0 0 , 0 0 0 1,2 0 0 , 0 0 0 - 32 6 0 - 0 1 4 6 La n d - G e n e r a l l a n d N e w LN R S t o r m Po n d C - 2 2 6 / 2 4 S t o r m w a t e r m a n a g e m e n t 11 0 , 8 7 5 11 0 , 8 7 5 - 32 7 0 - 0 0 0 1 Ve h i c l e s - 1 / 2 t o n Re p l a c e m e n t Re p l a c e 1 / 2 t o n - D i r e c t o r o f Mu n i c i p a l S e r v i c e s Un d e r e n t e r p r i s e f l e e t m a n a g e m e n t p r o g r a m 64 , 1 1 5 54 , 4 9 8 9,6 1 7 - 32 7 0 - 0 0 0 2 Ve h i c l e s - 1 / 2 t o n Re p l a c e m e nt R e p l a c e 1 / 2 t o n - M a n a g e r o f Op e r a t i o n s Un d e r e n t e r p r i s e f l e e t m a n a g e m e n t p r o g r a m 64 , 1 1 5 54 , 4 9 8 9,6 1 7 - COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 80 Di v i s i o n J o b I D As s e t C a t e g o r y As s e t T y p e Pr o j e c t T y p e De s c r i p t i o n Ju s t i f i c a t i o n 20 2 5 B u d g e t P r o c e e d s D e b t / L . I m p G r a n t s R . S u r p l u s T a x e s 32 7 0 - 0 0 0 3 Ve h i c l e s - 1 / 2 t o n Re p l a c e m e nt R e p l a c e 1 / 2 t o n - M a n a g e r o f Pla n n i n g , D e v e l o p m e n t & En g i n e e r i n g Un d e r e n t e r p r i s e f l e e t m a n a g e m e n t p r o g r a m 64 , 1 1 5 54 , 4 9 8 9,6 1 7 - 32 7 0 - 0 0 0 4 Ve h i c l e s - 1 / 2 t o n Re p l a c e m e n t R e p l a c e 1 / 2 t o n - E n g i n e e r i n g Te c h n o l o g i s t Un d e r e n t e r p r i s e f l e e t m a n a g e m e n t p r o g r a m 64 , 1 1 5 54 , 4 9 8 9,6 1 7 - 32 7 0 - 0 0 0 5 Ve h i c l e s - 1 / 2 t o n Re p l a c e m e nt R e p l a c e 1 / 2 t o n - A p p r o v a l s Of f i c e r Un d e r e n t e r p r i s e f l e e t m a n a g e m e n t p r o g r a m 64 , 1 1 5 54 , 4 9 8 9,6 1 7 - 32 7 0 - 0 0 0 6 Ve h i c l e s - 1 / 2 t o n Ne w Pu r c h a s e 1 / 2 t o n - E n g i n e e r i n g Te c h n o l o g i s t ( 2 ) Pu r c h a s e n e w 1 / 2 t o n - E n g i n e e r i n g T e c h n o l o g i s t ( 2 ) 64 , 1 1 5 64 , 1 1 5 - 70 9 1 9 - 1 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - B r i d g e s Re p l a c e m e n t B F 7 0 9 1 9 - 1 Sc h ed u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t y e a r b a s e d o n i n s p e c t i o n re p o r t s f r o m A l b e r t a T r a n s p o r t a t i o n ' s B r i d g e In f o r m a t i o n S y s t e m ( B I S ) , e s t i m a t e d r e p l a c e m e n t va l u e s a r e f r o m B E A D S . 56 , 5 0 0 56 , 5 0 0 - 71 3 6 6 - 2 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - B r i d g e s Re p l a c e me n t r e p l a c e B F 7 1 3 6 6 - 1 Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c em e n t y e a r b a s e d o n 2 0 2 1 i n s p e c t i o n re p o r t s f r o m R o s e k e E n g i n e e r i n g L t d . 65 , 0 0 0 65 , 0 0 0 - 71 8 5 8 - 2 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - B r i d g e s Re p l a c e m e n t B F 7 1 8 5 8 - 1 Sc h ed u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t y e a r b a s e d o n 2 0 2 1 i n s p e c t i o n re p o r t s f r o m R o s e k e E n g i n e e r i n g L t d . 80 , 0 0 0 80 , 0 0 0 - 76 8 2 9 - 2 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - B r i d g e s Re p l a c e me n t r e p l a c e B F 7 6 8 2 9 - 1 Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c em e n t y e a r b a s e d o n 2 0 2 1 i n s p e c t i o n re p o r t s f r o m R o s e k e E n g i n e e r i n g L t d . 40 1 , 0 0 0 40 1 , 0 0 0 - 77 0 0 9 - 2 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - B r i d g e s Re p l a c e me n t r e p l a c e B F 7 7 0 0 9 - 1 Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c em e n t y e a r b a s e d o n 2 0 2 1 i n s p e c t i o n re p o r t s f r o m R o s e k e E n g i n e e r i n g L t d . 45 5 , 0 0 0 45 5 , 0 0 0 - 78 8 7 4 - 2 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - B r i d g e s Re p l a c e m e n t BF 7 8 8 7 4 - 1 s t r u t s r e p l a c e m e n t S c h e d u l e d r e pl a c e m e n t y e a r b a s e d o n 2 0 2 1 i n s p e c t i o n re p o r t s f r o m R o s e k e E n g i n e e r i n g L t d . 56 , 5 0 0 56 , 5 0 0 - 80 7 - 2 0 0 5 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - T r a ile r Re p l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 8 0 7 - 2 0 0 5 - Tr a i l t e c k H 3 7 0 G o o s e n e c k T r a i l Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 3 0 , 0 0 0 30 , 0 0 0 - B1 5 - 0 0 0 0 4 La n d I m p r o v e m e n t s - A s p h a lt P a t h s N e w La k e N e w e l l R e s o rt P a t h w a y C - 2 5 4 / 2 3 A p p r o v e d fu n d i n g / p r o j e c t f o r a p a v e d pa t h w a y c o n n e c t i n g L a k e N e w e l l R e s o r t t o t h e Ki n b r o o k C o n n e c t i o n P a t h w a y . 1,6 3 9 , 3 7 1 82 5 , 0 0 0 68 2 , 8 8 3 13 1 , 4 8 8 - CO N T 0 0 1 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d s - G r a v e l M a i n t e n a n c e G r a v e l r o a d c o n s t r uc t i o n G r a v e l r o a d r e c o n s t r u c t i o n p r i o r i t i e s t o b e s e t b y 2 0 2 3 Ro a d S t u d y . 13 6 , 0 0 0 13 6 , 0 0 0 E2 - 0 0 2 0 2 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d s - G r a v e l M a in t e n a n c e R R 1 5 0 f r o m B r o o k s C i t y L i m i t s to P a v e m e n t Gr a v e l r o a d r e c o n s t r u c t i o n pr i o r i t i e s t o b e s e t b y 2 0 2 3 Ro a d S t u d y . 20 0 , 0 0 0 20 0 , 0 0 0 E2 - 0 0 2 0 3 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d s - G r a v e l M a i n t e n a n c e R R 1 4 3 f r o m T R 1 9 2 t o T R 1 9 3 G r a v e l r o a d r e c o n s t r u c t i o n p r i o r i t i e s t o b e s e t b y 2 02 3 Ro a d S t u d y . 26 0 , 0 0 0 26 0 , 0 0 0 E2 - 0 0 2 0 4 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d s - G r a v e l M a i n t e n a n c e R R 1 4 2 f r o m T R 1 9 1 t o T R 1 9 3 G r a v e l r o a d r e c o n s t r u c t i o n p r i o r i t i e s t o b e s e t b y 2 02 3 Ro a d S t u d y . 38 4 , 0 0 0 64 , 8 8 9 31 9 , 1 1 1 E2 - 0 0 2 0 5 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d s - G r a v e l M a i n t e n a n c e T R 1 9 4 f r o m R R 1 4 5 t o H W Y 1 G r a v e l r o a d r e c o n s t r u c t i o n p r i o r i t i e s t o b e s e t b y 2 02 3 Ro a d S t u d y . 42 0 , 0 0 0 42 0 , 0 0 0 - E2 - 0 0 2 0 6 Ro a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d s - G r a v e l M a i n t e n a n c e R R 1 4 1 f r o m T R 1 9 4 t o T R 2 0 0 G r a v e l r o a d r e c o n s t r u c t i o n p r i o r i t i e s t o b e s e t b y 2 02 3 Ro a d S t u d y . 40 0 , 0 0 0 40 0 , 0 0 0 OV E R L A Y 0 4 R o a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d s - A C P - H o t M i x M a i n t e n a n c e RR 1 5 0 - O v e r l a y Ma i n t a i n i n g p a v e d s u r f a c e a s r e q u i r e d . 9,0 0 0 , 0 0 0 9, 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 - OV E R L A Y 0 5 R o a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d s - A C P - Ho t M i x M a i n t e n a n c e T R 1 9 2 N G u n C l u b R o a d - Ov e r l a y Ma i n t a i n i n g p a v e d s u r f a c e a s r e q u i r e d . 1,2 0 0 , 0 0 0 1, 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 - OV E R L A Y 0 6 R o a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d s - A C P - H o t M i x M a i n t e n a n c e T R 2 1 2 P e l t z e r R o a d - O v e r l a y M a i n t a i n i n g p a v e d s u r f a c e a s r e q u i r e d . 50 , 0 0 0 50 , 0 0 0 - OV E R L A Y 0 7 R o a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d s - A C P - H o t M i x M a i n t e n a n c e RR 1 5 4 - O v e r l a y Ma i n t a i n i n g p a ve d s u r f a c e a s r e q u i r e d . 30 , 0 0 0 30 , 0 0 0 - OV E R L A Y 0 8 R o a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d s - A C P - H o t M i x M a i n t e n a n c e RR 1 5 5 - O v e r l a y Ma i n t a i n i n g p a ve d s u r f a c e a s r e q u i r e d . 30 , 0 0 0 30 , 0 0 0 - PE N D E N T R A N C E S I G N R o a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d S i g n s - In f o r m a t i o n Up g r a d e R e f u r b i s h C o m m u n i t y E n t r a n c e Sig n s •R e f u r b i s h f o u r c o m m u n i t y e n t r a n c e s i g n s l o c a t e d o n HW Y 1 a n d H W Y 3 6 . •Q u o t e p r o v i d e d b y W a l l a h S i g n s ( R e d D e e r ) •R e f u r b i s h a s p e r q u o t e •$ 1 6 , 8 3 4 T o t a l •W e p i c k u p i n fiel d f o r P U b y W a l l a h , $ 5 0 0 0 •W e i n s t a l l w i t h n e w p o s t s ( 4 x 6 t r e a t e d p o s t s a r e $5 0 / e a c h ) $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 To t a l c o s t t o r e f u r b i s h s i g n s ( 4 s i g n s ) $ 3 2 , 0 0 0 32 , 0 0 0 3 2 , 0 0 0 - COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 81 Di v i s i o n J o b I D As s e t C a t e g o r y As s e t T y p e Pr o j e c t T y p e De s c r i p t i o n Ju s t i f i c a t i o n 20 2 5 B u d g e t P r o c e e d s D e b t / L . I m p G r a n t s R . S u r p l u s T a x e s PE N D S K I D S M a c h i n e r y & E qu i p m e n t - T o o l s & S h o p Eq u i p m e n t Ne w S t o r a g e S k i d s f o r G r a v e l T r u c k Bo x e s Th e d e p a r t m e n t c u r r e n t l y u t ili z e s a g r a v e l / s a n d i n g b o x ha n g i n g s y s t e m l o c a t e d a t t h e s o u t h e n d o f y a r d . T h i s sy s t e m w a s m o v e d o v e r f r o m t h e o l d y a r d i n 2 0 1 2 . N o t su r e o f t h e y e a r i t w a s b u i l t , n o e n g i n e e r e d d r a w i n g s . Th e c h a i n s r e q u i r e d t o h a n g t h e b o x e s f r o m t h e st r u c t u r e r e q u i r e a n a n n u a l 3 r d p a r t y i n s p e c Ɵon . •O n e s k i d w a s b u i l t w i n t e r o f 2 0 2 3 - 2 4 f o r t e s Ɵng a n d ha s w o r k e d w e l l . •T h e d e p a r t m e n t w o u l d l i k e t o d i s c o n Ɵnu e t h e u s e o f th e b o x h a n g i n g s y s t e m . S k i d s y s t e m o n l y r e q u i r e s ½ th e s p a c e i n y a r d . I t i s n o t e a s y t o h a n g b o x e s a n d t h e pr o c e s s i s h a z a r d o u s t o s t a ff a n d e q u i p m e n t . •S k i d s c a n b e m o v e d w i t h 9 3 0 l o a d e r w i t h f o r k s . •A l l o w s s t a ff to e x c h a n g e b o x e s i n t h e s h o p u Ɵli z i n g t h e ov e r h e a d c r a n e . •O p Ɵon t o s t o r e / m o v e b o x e s a r o u n d i n y a r d . •M o v e b o x e s i n t o t h e s h o p f o r m a i n t e n a n c e . •N o t a l l b o x e s fit u n d e r t h e h a n g i n g s y s t e m . Pr o p o s e f o r 2 0 2 5 b u d g e t t o p u r c h a s e 4 m o r e b o x s k i d s . Th i s w i l l p r o v i d e a s k i d f o r ea c h p l o w t r u c k a n d a s p a r e to u Ɵli z e w h e n s w a p p i n g b o x e s . To t a l c o s t f o r p u r c h a s e $ 1 7 , 6 0 0 ( 4 @ $ 4 , 4 0 0 e a c h ) . 17 , 6 0 0 1 7 , 6 0 0 - PE N D S T O R A G E T A N K M a c h i n e r y & Eq u i p m e n t - T o o l s & S h o p Eq u i p m e n t Re p l a c e m e n t C a l c i u m S t o r a g e T a n k T h e d e p a rt m e n t c u r r e n t l y u t ili z e d t w o 1 0 0 0 - g a l l o n ta n k s o n s t a n d s i n c o n t a i n m e n t b a s i n s . T h e s e w e r e in i t i a l l y p u r c h a s e d i n 2 0 1 2 t o be u t i l i z e d t o g r a v i t y f e e d in t o p l o w t r u c k s . T h e t a n k s h a v e s i n c e b e e n m o v e d on t o t h e c o n c r e t e p a d n e x t t o t h e w a s h b a y . T h e sy s t e m h a s b e e n s e t - u p t o a l l o w t r u c k s t o f i l l i n t h e wa s h b a y . T h e f o o t p r i n t o f t h e t w o t a n k s t a k e s u p ad d i t i o n a l s p a c e a n d d u r i n g t h e s u m m e r m o n t h s t h e ta n k s a r e m o v e d t o a l l o w a c c e s s t o t h e t r u c k f i l l i n g st a t i o n f o r w a t e r a n d s p r a y t r u c k s . T h e t a n k s a n d co n t a i n m e n t s h a v e s o m e d a m a g e a n d i n c r e a s e t h e r i s k of a c c i d e n t a l s p i l l a g e . T h e ne w t a n k i s s p e c i a l l y f o r st o r a g e o f c h e m i c a l s ( C a l c i u m C h l o r i d e ) a n d h a s se c o n d a r y c o n t a i n m e n t . T h e t a n k a l s o h a s a s m a l l e r fo o t p r i n t a n d w i l l n o t h a v e t o b e m o v e d t o ac c o m m o d a t e s u m m e r a c ƟviƟes . To t a l c o s t f o r p u r c h a s e $ $ 2 5 , 0 0 0 25 , 0 0 0 2 5 , 0 0 0 - PE N D T W E R o a d w a y S y s t e m - R o a d s - A C P - H o t M i x N e w Pla n a n d e s t i m a t e s f o r T i l l e y We s t E n d r e s i d e n t i a l su b d i v i s i o n d e v e l o p m e n t . Pa l l i s e r E c o n o m i c P a r t n e r s h i p i s w o r k i n g w i t h t h e Ca n a d a I n f r a s t r u c t u r e B a n k - R u r a l I n f r a s t r u c t u r e Pr o j e c t t h a t a i m s t o a d d r e s s t h e h o u s i n g s h o r t a g e . Th e r e i s a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o c o n s i d e r d e v e l o p i n g t h e de e p / s u r f a c e i n f r a s t r u c t u r e a t t h e C o u n t y o w n e d pa r c e l o n t h e w e s t s i d e o f th e H a m l e t o f T i l l e y w i t h C I B fu n d i n g t h a t m a y b e m a d e a v a i l a b l e . T h e f i r s t p h a s e o f th i s p r o p o s e d p r o j e c t w i l l l o o k a t p o t e n t i a l d e s i g n f o r re s i d e n t i a l l o t s a n d p r e l i m i n a r y e s t i m a t e s t h a t c o u l d b e us e d i n a p p l y i n g f o r C I B f u n d i n g s u p p o r t . 75 , 0 0 0 75 , 0 0 0 - 33 - A I R P O R T PE N D A I R La n d I m p r o v e m e n t s - A i r p o r t R u n w ay s R e p l a c e m e n t B r o o k s A i r p o r t L i g h t i n g Re p l a c e m e n t As r e c o m m e n d e d b y t h e A i r p o r t C o m m i s s i o n . 54 , 1 5 0 54 , 1 5 0 - 41 - W A T E R 41 6 0 - 0 0 4 0 Wa t e r S y s t e m - D i st r i b u t i o n S y s t e m - Hy d r a n t s Ne w Sa m p l e S t a t i o n a t S c a n d i a - $7 0 0 0 / h y d r a n t - I n c l u d e s In s t a l l x 2 h y d r a n t s Du r i n g t h e o p e r a t i o n o f o u r u r b a n d i s t r i b u t i o n s y s t e m s , on e r e q u i r e m e n t i s t o s a m p l e w a t e r f r o m v a r i o u s lo c a t i o n s i n t h e s y s t e m o n a s e t s c h e d u l e . I n m o s t o f ou r h a m l e t s t h i s p r o v e s t o b e d i f f i c u l t a s t h e r e a r e f e w co m m e r c i a l o p e r a t i o n s a n d a l i g n i n g w i t h h o m e o w n e r s to g a i n a c c e s s i s n o t a l w a y s p o s s i b l e o r e f f i c i e n t . 14 , 0 0 0 14 , 0 0 0 - COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 82 Di v i s i o n J o b I D As s e t C a t e g o r y As s e t T y p e Pr o j e c t T y p e De s c r i p t i o n Ju s t i f i c a t i o n 20 2 5 B u d g e t P r o c e e d s D e b t / L . I m p G r a n t s R . S u r p l u s T a x e s 41 6 0 - 0 0 4 1 Wa t e r S y s t e m - D i st r i b u t i o n S y s t e m - Hy d r a n t s Ne w Sa m p l e S t a t i o n a t T i l l e y - $7 0 0 0 / h y d r a n t - I n c l u d e s In s t a l l x 3 h y d r a n t s Du r i n g t h e o p e r a t i o n o f o u r u r b a n d i s t r i b u t i o n s y s t e m s , on e r e q u i r e m e n t i s t o s a m p l e w a t e r f r o m v a r i o u s lo c a t i o n s i n t h e s y s t e m o n a s e t s c h e d u l e . I n m o s t o f ou r h a m l e t s t h i s p r o v e s t o b e d i f f i c u l t a s t h e r e a r e f e w co m m e r c i a l o p e r a t i o n s a n d a l i g n i n g w i t h h o m e o w n e r s to g a i n a c c e s s i s n o t a l w a y s p o s s i b l e o r e f f i c i e n t . 21 , 0 0 0 21 , 0 0 0 - 41 6 0 - 0 0 4 2 Wa t e r S y s t e m - D i st r i b u t i o n S y s t e m - Ma i n s Ne w Ru r a l W a t e r P r o j e c t - P h a s e 2 W a t e r s a f e t y a n d s e c u r i t y f o r C o u n t y r e s i d e n t s w h o a r e no t c u r r e n t l y s e r v i c e d b y t h e r u r a l w a t e r s y s t e m . 2,4 8 5 , 0 0 0 2,4 8 5 , 0 0 0 - 42 - W A S T E W A T E R G2 - 0 0 0 0 5 Wa s t e w a t e r S y s t e m - P u m p , L i f t & T r a n s f er s M a i n t e n a n c e L a k e N e w e l l R e s o r t L i f t S t a t i o n Re p a i r s MP E E n g i n e e r i n g S a n i t a r y L i f t S t a t i o n A s s e s s m e n t Re c o m m e n d a t i o n s . F u l l r e p l a c e m e n t c o s t e s t i m a t e d a t $1 , 3 3 6 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 43 3 , 6 1 4 43 3 , 6 1 4 - G3 - 0 0 0 1 0 Wa s t e w a t e r S y s t e m - L a go o n - w a s t e w a t e r M a i n t e n a n c e T i l l e y L a g o o n D e - S l u d g i n g C - 30 / 2 4 Slu d g e s u r v e y o f T i l l e y l a g o o n s w a s c o m p l e t e d b y La m b o u r n e E n v i r o n m e n t a l i n 2 0 2 3 . T h e p r i m a r y c e l l s 1 an d 2 a s w e l l a s c e l l 5 a r e q u i t e f u l l a n d d e s l u d g i n g sh o u l d b e c o n s i d e r e d . C l e a n i n g o f c e l l s 3 a n d 4 m a y im p r o v e e f f l u e n t q u a l i t y g o i n g i n t o c e l l 5 a n d r e d u c e so l i d s t r a n s f e r t o t h e l a r g er c e l l s . B e c a u s e t h e s l u d g e pa s s e d A l b e r t a E n v i r o n m e n t l a n d s p r e a d i n g c r i t e r i a , t h e ma t e r i a l f r o m a l l 5 o f t h e c e l l s m e n t i o n e d w o u l d b e su i t a b l e f o r l a n d a p p l i c a Ɵon . Th e r e i s d e b r i s i n t h e an a e r o b i c c e l l s , w h i c h m a y re q u i r e t h e s l u d g e t o b e s c r e e n e d d e p e n d i n g o n i t s ul t i m a t e d i s p o s a l l o c a t i o n . D e b r i s i n t h e w a s t e w a t e r ce l l s w i l l a l s o s l o w d o w n t h e d e s l u d g i n g a n d de w a t e r i n g p r o c e s s d u e t o c l o g g i n g o f p u m p s . A s y s t e m to r e m o v e g a r b a g e f r o m t h e w a s t e w a t e r s t r e a m p r i o r to e n t e r i n g t h e l a g o o n i s a d v i s a b l e . 57 6 , 2 2 0 57 6 , 2 2 0 - 62 - A G R I C U L T U R A L S E R V I C E S 29 3 - 1 9 9 3 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - F a r m I m p l e m en t R e p l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 2 9 3 - 1 9 9 3 - B r i l l i o n Se e d e r 1 2 F o o t Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 3 0 , 0 0 0 30 , 0 0 0 - 30 9 - 2 0 2 4 Ve h i c l e s - 4 t o n Re p l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 3 0 9 - 2 0 0 6 - I h c 4 To n ( S p r a y T r u c k ) - F l a t Re p l a c e I H C 4 T o n ( S p r a y T r u c k ) - F l a t . 7 7 , 2 0 4 k m ' s (p u l l e d 2 0 2 3 - 1 0 - 1 8 ) . 19 0 , 0 0 0 19 0 , 0 0 0 - 31 5 - 2 0 1 2 Ve h i c l e s - 1 t o n Re p l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 3 1 5 - 2 0 1 2 - F o r d 35 0 C r e w C a b Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 1 0 5 , 0 0 0 10 5 , 0 0 0 - 32 2 - 2 0 2 0 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - T u r f E q u i pm e n t R e p l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 3 2 2 - 2 0 2 0 - Z Ma s t e r 6 0 0 0 M o w e r Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 1 7 , 5 0 0 17 , 5 0 0 - 32 9 - 2 0 2 0 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - T u r f E q u i p m en t R e p l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 3 2 9 - 2 0 2 0 - J d 1 6 0 0 Wa m M o w e r Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 9 9 , 0 0 0 99 , 0 0 0 - 33 1 - 2 0 1 3 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - S p r a ye r Re p l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 3 3 1 - 2 0 1 3 - Sm a 5 0 E S p r a y e r Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 5 , 3 4 4 5,3 4 4 - 33 9 - 2 0 2 5 Ve h i c l e s - A l l T e r r a i n Re p l a c em e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 3 3 9 - 2 0 1 9 - P o l a r i s Ra n g e r re p l a c e u n i t 3 3 9 - 2 0 1 9 28 , 0 0 0 28 , 0 0 0 - 34 6 - 2 0 2 1 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - T u r f E q u i p m en t R e p l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 3 4 6 - 2 0 2 1 - 1 5 f o o t mo w e r re p l a c e e v e r y 3 y e a r s 56 , 0 0 0 56 , 0 0 0 - 35 4 - 2 0 2 4 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - S p r a y e r Rep l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 3 5 4 - 2 0 0 5 - B o o m Sp r a y e r F o r U n i t 3 0 9 Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 8 5 , 0 0 0 85 , 0 0 0 - 35 6 - 2 0 0 4 Ma c h i n e r y & E q u i p m e n t - S p r a y e r Rep l a c e m e n t r e p l a c e u n i t 3 5 6 - 2 0 0 4 - F i e l d Bo o m l e s s S p r a y e r Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 1 0 , 0 0 0 10 , 0 0 0 - 38 0 - 2 0 1 7 Ve h i c l e s - F a r m I m p l e m e n t R e p l a ce m e n t r e p l a c e 2 5 f o o t c o n v e n t i o n a l dr i l l Sc h e d u l e d r e p l a c e m e n t b a s e d o n e s t i m a t e d u s e f u l l i f e . 1 4 0 , 0 0 0 14 0 , 0 0 0 - 62 7 0 - 0 0 0 1 Ve h i c l e s - 1 / 2 t o n Re p l a c e m e n t Re p l a c e 1 / 2 t o n - D i r e c t o r o f Ag r i c u l t u r a l S e r v i c e s Un d e r e n t e r p r i s e f l e e t m a n a g e m e n t p r o g r a m 64 , 1 1 5 54 , 4 9 8 9,6 1 7 - To t a l 30 , 6 6 7 , 2 8 6 43 5 , 9 8 4 82 5 , 0 0 0 5 , 4 9 4 , 4 6 4 21 , 5 9 6 , 7 2 7 2, 3 1 5 , 1 1 1 COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 83 Appendix II – Financial Plan (MGA 283.1) SIGNIFICANT FORECAST YEAR ASSUMPTIONS Forecast year estimates include an assumption that growth in assessed values and adjustments to tax rates will allow for tax revenue growth of approximately 2.5% in each of the forecast years. One-time operating expenses have been included in the forecast years where these can reasonably be projected, and a nominal inflation rate of two percent has been applied to some forecast year expenses. Inflation has not been applied to many expense lines which have historically remained under budget at year end. Merit increases have been included and an estimated 2% cost-of- living allowance has been applied to the salaries and wages expense. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 84 Appendix III – 10 Year Capital Plan (MGA 283.1) SIGNIFICANT FORECAST YEAR ASSUMPTIONS Forecast year estimates include an assumption that existing tangible capital assets are replaced at the end of their useful lives as determined by the County’s Tangible Capital Asset Policy. For bridge files, where recent engineer condition assessments and estimates have not been completed the County uses the replacement date and current replacement cost from Alberta Transportation’s Bridge Information System. Current replacement costs are updated annually as part of the budget process and are inflated by two percent annually to determine the expected replacement cost in each of the forecast years. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 85 Appendix IV – Strategic Priorities COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 86 Appendix V – Glossary ACCRUAL ACCOUNTING This basis recognizes revenues as they become available and measurable and expenditures as they are incurred and measurable as the result of receipt of goods or services and the creation of a legal obligation to pay. This is also the basis for developing the County's budget. AMORTIZATION An expense calculated and recorded for all Tangible Capital Assets annually to account for the decreasing value of the asset over time. APPROPRIATION A legal authorization granted by a legislative body (County Council) to make expenditures and incur obligations for designated purposes. ASSESSMENT A value established for real property for use as a basis of levying property taxes for municipal purposes. AUDIT A formal examination of the County’s accounts or financial situation. BALANCED BUDGET A budget where budgeted expenditures and transfers to funds are equal to budgeted revenues and transfers from funds. BONDS A fixed income investment in which an investor loans money to an entity which borrows the funds for a defined period of time at a variable or fixed interest rate. BUDGET A financial plan for a specified period of time (year) that matches all planned revenues and expenditures with various County services. BYLAWS Legislation enacted by County Council under the provisions of the Municipal Government Act. CASH BASIS Accounting method that recognizes revenues and expenses at the time physical cash is actually received or paid out. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE Cost associated with purchasing, building and significantly improving or maintaining capital assets. CONTRIBUTED ASSETS Assets that have been transferred or donated to the City by another entity. These assets provide a future economic benefit controlled by the County. DEBT A financial obligation resulting from the borrowing of money. Typical in purchase of debenture from Alberta Capital Finance Corporation. DEBT SERVICE Amount necessary for the payment of principal and interest of the general long-term debt of the County. DEFICIT An excess of expenditures over revenue. EXPENDITURE/EXPENSE Use of financial resource for current operating expenses, debt service, capital outlay, and intergovernmental transfers. FUND An accounting entity with a self-balancing set of accounts containing its own assets, liabilities and fund balance. A fund is established for the purpose of carrying on specific activities or attaining certain objectives in accordance with special regulations, restrictions or limitations. FUND BALANCE The difference between revenues and expenditures. The beginning fund balance represents the residual funds brought forward from the previous year (ending balance). COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 87 FTE (full time equivalent) A measure to account for all staffing dollars in terms of their value as a staffing unit. For example, two (2) half-time positions would equate to one (1) Full-Time Equivalent. GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (GAAP) Nationally recognized uniform principles, standards, and guidelines for financial accounting and reporting, governing the form and content of many financial statements of an entity. GAAP encompasses the conventions, rules, and procedures that define accepted accounting principles at a particular time, including both broad guidelines and detailed practices and procedures. GFOA Government Finance Officers Association. GRANT A monetary contribution by one governmental unit or other organization to another. Typically, these contributions are made to local governments by the Provincial and Federal Governments. LIABILITY Debt or other legal obligations arising out of transactions in the past, which must be liquidated, renewed or refunded at some future date. LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS The construction or replacement of roads, sidewalks, lanes and underground services for which a portion is paid by the abutting property owner. MILL RATE The rate applied to the assessed value of a property in order to calculate property taxes owing. One mill is one dollar per $1,000 of assessed value. NET FUNDING Revenues and recoveries less expenditures is the net budget required for the year. ONE-TIME ITEMS Expenditures associated with a limited term (typically one operating period) that will not become an ongoing part of the base budget in future years. POLICIES Council statements that set discretionary duties or standards of performance for the County. PROPERTY TAX Revenue generated through the collection of taxes levied on real property assessment. Authorized by the Municipal Government Act. RESTRICTED SURPLUS FUNDS Represent amounts appropriated for designated requirements as established by Council. Part of best practices management used for fund accumulation to replace capital assets and to provide financial flexibility in times of budget shortfall. REVENUE Funds that the government receives as income. It includes such items as tax payments, fees from specific services, receipts from other governments, fines, grants and interest income. TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSET Non-financial assets having physical substance that meet all of the following criteria: •are held for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, for administrative purposes or for the development, construction, maintenance or repair of other tangible capital assets; •have useful economic lives extending beyond an accounting period; •were acquired for use on a continuing basis; and •are not intended for sale in the ordinary course of business. TAXES Compulsory charges levied by a government for the purpose of financing services performed for the common benefit of the people. TAX LEVY The total amount to be raised by general property taxes for operating and debt services purposes. COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 88 Appendix VI – Acronyms AAF Alberta Agriculture & Forestry ACA Alberta Conservation Association AEP Alberta Environment & Parks ASB Agriculture Service Board ASP Area Structure Plan ARP Area Redevelopment Plan BMTG Basic Municipal Transportation Grant CAO Chief Administrative Officer CCBF Canada Community-Building Fund CETA Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement CFTA Canadian Free Trade Agreement COR Certificate of Recognition CPO Community Peace Officer CUPE Canadian Union of Public Employees CVIP Commercial Vehicle Inspection EID Eastern Irrigation District FTE Full-Time Equivalent FCSS Family and Community Support Services FSEPP Fire Services Emergency Preparedness Program GAAP Generally Accepted Accounting Principles GFOA Government Finance Officers Association GIS Geographical Information System ICF Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework ICS Incident Command System LGFF Local Government Fiscal Framework MGA Municipal Government Act MPC Municipal Planning Commission MSI Municipal Sustainability Initiative NFPA National Fire Prevention Association NRSC Newell Regional Services Corporation NRSWMA Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority OHS Occupational Health & Safety – Alberta PSAB Public Sector Accounting Board PPE Personal Protective Equipment PPSA Provincial Police Services Agreement RCMP Royal Canadian Mounted Police RPR Real Property Report SAEWA Southern Alberta Waste to Energy Association SWOT Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats TCA Tangible Capital Asset TILMA Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization WCB Workers’ Compensation Board – Alberta COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2025 FINAL BUDGET 89