Public input encouraged on proposed service level changes for 2027 Operating Budget

Residents are encouraged to take part in upcoming discussions June 10-11 about the City of Lethbridge’s 2027 Operating Budget. These discussions will focus on potential cost-saving measures that would impact programs and services in the community.  

City Council’s Community Issues Committee (CIC) received an update on May 14 from Darrell Mathews, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, outlining the draft 2027 Operating Budget. The draft includes an overview of the base budget, updated financial pressures and proposed budget reduction initiatives.  

Residents can provide feedback on proposed budget reduction options by:  

• Attending and speaking at the June 10-11 CIC meetings  
• Submitting written feedback  
  • Written submissions must be submitted through the City’s website under the section “Items already on a CIC agenda” 
  • Please note that your name, contact information and comments will be made publicly available in the Council Agenda and will become part of the public record 
  • Submissions will be made available to members of the CIC 

Service level changes, external decisions from other levels of government, inflationary increases, and funding allocation to community groups will also be considered during the June 10-11 CIC meetings.  

To help residents better understand the options under consideration, a summary of budget initiatives and a full outline of all proposed initiatives are available for review. These resources provide further information on proposed changes, including potential impacts to services, fees and program delivery.  

Budget initiatives are categorized as follows:  

• “A” initiatives (additions): Potential service level increases or new funding requests not currently included in the base budget 
• “N” initiatives (extensions): Programs previously funded through one-time allocations that are being considered for continuation into 2027 
• “R” initiatives (reductions): Proposed decreases to current service levels or cost reductions for Council’s consideration 

The Operating Budget funds essential services such as police, fire, transit, parks, road maintenance and snow removal, along with community amenities like libraries, arenas and pools.  

The proposed reduction initiatives total approximately $2.1 million, or a 1.01 per cent tax decrease. If approved, these reduction initiatives would help bring the projected tax rate increase closer in line with the inflationary target. These initiatives were developed thoughtfully to minimize impacts to service levels where possible, but still involve choices about service levels, fees and how programs are delivered. 

Following the June 10-11 CIC meetings, recommendations will be brought forward to City Council for final approval in July. 

The City uses a multi-year budgeting approach. Due to changes in the sequencing of budget approvals, the current 2023–2026 Operating Budget will be extended to include 2027 as a “stub year.” The next full four-year operating budget cycle (2028–2031), is expected to be set in late 2027. 

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