The Town of Altona has released its financial plan for 2025, focusing on strategic investments and fiscal responsibility to enhance community services while managing tax implications for residents.
The municipal tax levy for 2025 is set at $6,021,037, marking a net increase of $225,371, or 3.89 per cent, compared to the previous year. This rise includes a supplemental tax increase of $122,326, resulting from new properties and reassessments following renovations.
In light of the recent property reassessment by the Provincial Assessment Branch, Altona’s municipal mill rate will decrease by 7.61 per cent, from 19.70 to 18.20.
Property assessments have seen an average increase of 12.5 per cent in Altona, with residential properties experiencing a 15.7 per cent rise and commercial properties a 9.5 per cent uptick.
Individual tax bills will vary based on property assessments. Mayor Harv Schroeder encouraged residents and business owners to review their assessments and understand how they impact their taxes.
“An increase in assessment does not necessarily equate to higher taxes,” he noted. “If your property has increased in assessed value by more than the average in Altona, your taxes may increase.
The 2025 budget projects total revenues of $11,135,223, with property taxes contributing 54.1 per cent of this amount. This marks a decrease from the previous year’s revenue of just over $12 million. Schroeder attributed this reduction to the absence of one-time funding received in the prior year.
“We had some extra basket funding last year, so that brought it up,” he explained.
The capital budget is set at $2,435,100, focusing on several key projects. These include investment in a new mini pumper truck for Altona/Rhineland Emergency Services, continuing improvements to local infrastructure, acquisition of a new tractor for the public works department, purchase of land for a future shop, procurement of a new police truck to support law enforcement operations, and a $100,000 commitment to the Kiddie Sunshine Centre childcare project as part of a 10-year pledge.
Additionally, $45,000 is allocated for a public transportation pilot project in partnership with Community Exchange, and $137,500 is designated for various research initiatives, including an Urban Forest Management strategy, Climate Risk Assessment and Adaptation Plan, Centre Avenue Active Transportation Corridor Financial Plan, and a local history research project.
Schroeder highlighted the importance of these strategic initiatives, stating, “Under our strategic plan, we’re committed to supporting economic development, and growing a sustainable community.”
Despite these investments, certain projects have been deferred, such as the Cemetery Perpetual Care Plan, Van Gogh painting restoration, and renovations to the Golden West Plaza space formerly occupied by the Altona library. Schroeder explained that these decisions were made to ensure fiscal responsibility amid economic uncertainties.
“We were very mindful as we made this year’s budget. We still don’t know what the implications are going to be with the tariffs.”
