The are several factors are driving the increase in the district's 2025 budget Lake Country council heard at its Dec. 3 meeting.

Inflation is affecting costs for materials, supplies, insurance, utilities, and other items, Chief Financial Officer Trevor James explained to council. 

Expanding RCMP staffing and rising contractual costs are also driving up expenses. The force is growing from 20 to 24 officers by 2027, leading to nearly $2 million in annual cost increases by 2029. To reduce the impact on taxpayers, the district plans to phase in 1.5 per cent annual tax increases over five years instead of larger increases upfront. Staff have set aside $330,000 for 2025.

The budget for transit funding is pegged at $202,000 to address increased operational costs due to wage increases, fuel prices, and capital renewal needs. A total of $110,000 is being added to the fire equipment reserve fund as major equipment acquisitions such as a ladder truck can lead to unpredictable spikes in spending. 

The district has also identified a need for seven new full-time positions to improve services. Although partially funded through grants and efficiency savings $280,000 will come from property taxes. The new positions will help address development backlogs, streamline processes, and secure more grant funding. 

The proposed 2025 Capital Plan outlines $15.26 million in projects, including infrastructure upgrades, facility improvements and equipment. Funding sources include reserves, grants, and contributions from developers.

The total tax increase amounts to $1.67 million. This is approximately $170 annually ($14 per month), or a 6.45 per cent increase, for a typical single-family home in Lake Country.

Members of the public can have input on the budget through , as well as open houses that will be scheduled in January and February.