Town of Olds Shares Key Findings and Results of 2025 Budget Survey

September 04, 2024

Town residents and businesses were invited to provide input on the 2025 budget from May 27 to July 5, 2024. Community involvement is a priority for the Town, budget engagement helps Council and Administration understand what services citizens value and will help shape decisions around service level adjustments leading into the 2025 Budget. The 2025 municipal budget survey report is now available to the public on the Town of Olds website at www.olds.ca/engagement.

Key Findings from the 2025 Budget Survey

379 responses were received, up from 300 in last year’s budget survey, with the largest group of respondents being homeowners between the ages of 30 and 64.

Key findings from the report include:

Roads are a significant concern; citizens would like to see more funding allocated to this area and more effective and efficient repairs completed.

Many residents and business owners feel they are paying higher taxes while receiving fewer services. More work needs to be done around communicating how property taxes are spent and the growing demands being placed on Town operations through inflation and provincial funding reductions and downloading.

Positive feedback on the recent changes to solid waste with 63% of respondents indicating they are satisfied with the current service level.

Economic Development and Housing; 64% of respondents said the key priorities for the incoming Economic Development Strategy should be on business retention. While 59% of respondents believe the Town’s primary role in attracting housing developments by reducing red-tape and other barriers to housing development.

Next Steps

These key focus areas will guide council as the budget process for 2025 begins this fall. The full survey report was presented to Council during their Committee of the Whole meeting September 3, 2024 and can be viewed by visiting the Town of Olds website at www.olds.ca/engagement.

As part of our budget engagement, Coffee with Council returns on Thursday, September 12 at the Olds Farmers Market. We encourage residents with questions on this budget survey report or other matters to attend from 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM.