Stettler town council has set it's tax rates for 2025. They set the rates during the May 6 council meeting.
The Town of Stettler's budget will see residents absorb a six per cent increase in both residential and non-residential properties in town.
According to documents in the Town of Stettler's agenda package for May 6, the budget forecasts a total $23.2 million in expenses with $13 million in revenue other than taxes. The remaining shortfall, which includes $2.6 million for school requisitions and over $373,000 for seniors' lodges, needs to come from residential taxes.
Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Kim Hymers noted that school requisitions were up 11 per cent in 2025 and, based on the provincial budget, they are expected to rise again in 2026.
"The big increase is from education and not the municipal portion," said Hymers.
"I'm a little more comfortable with five per cent, or less," said Coun. Scott Pfeiffer, about the increase. "We also had an increase in utility rates. That's two things this year."
Hymers noted that the increase in utility rates is being done to keep them in line with what other municipalities are charging.
After reviewing the documents, Pfeiffer agreed that the education component made a substantial impact to the overall budget and agreed with the change.
Ultimately, Coun. Cheryl Barros put forward the motion to approve the budget with the six per cent increase, with Coun. Kurt Baker voting against it.
The Taxation Bylaw was passed during the meeting, with all three readings receiving unanimous support.
