Lethbridge County increase operating budget due to fuel pressures, inflation

By Heather Cameron
Sunny South News

During the May 7 County of Lethbridge Council Meeting, Hailey Pinksen, Director of Corporate Services for Lethbridge County, came to Council on behalf of Administration with a proposed 2026 Operating Budget Amendment.

Pinksen explained that during the annual budget process, the county reviews operational costs, capital projects, provincial and federal grants, requisitions, and considers assessment growth. 

“Information relating to the budget is often difficult to finalize until the following calendar year, as additional details related to economic factors and requisitions from the province emerge after the initial budget deliberation that happens in December,” explained Pinksen.

Pinksen then explained that in relation to that, Administration was seeking Council’s authority to increase the 2026 Operating Budget by $1,080,000 to address operational pressures related to fuel prices, inflation, and anticipated changes in contractual services in accordance with previous direction of Council. Pinksen also made the recommendation on behalf of Administration that 2026 Operating Budget expenses in the amount of $43,892,682 be approved.

Councilor Kuerbis ultimately made the motion that Council increase the 2026 Operating Budget by $1,080,000 to address operational pressures related to fuel prices, inflation, and anticipated changes in contractual services in accordance with previous direction of Council. The motion was carried.

Afterwards, Councillor Van Essen made a motion that the 2026 Operating Budget expenses in the amount of $43,892,682 be approved. The motion was carried.