Sparwood adopts budget, tax rate bylaws

Sparwood council adopted its 2026 to 2030 financial plan and 2026 tax rate bylaw during its May 5 regular meeting, marking the final step in the municipality’s annual budget process.

Acting Mayor Amy Cardozo chaired the meeting, which began at 6 p.m. in council chambers.

Chief Administrative Officer Michéle Schalekamp told council the financial plan had been developed through several stages, beginning with the capital plan presented in December 2025. The draft operating budget was presented Jan. 27, followed by the draft financial plan on March 3.

“This is the final step in finalizing our financial plan for 2026,” said Schalekamp.

The Financial Plan Bylaw 1368 and Tax Rates Bylaw 1369 had received three readings at the April 21 council meeting. Staff recommended council adopt both bylaws.

Councillor Steve Kallies said he would support the bylaws but asked whether future council expenses could include laptops instead of iPads for incoming councillors.

“I loathe these iPads,” said Kallies. “My hands are not good with these small devices and I want to set up the next councillors for success.”

Schalekamp said the option was already being considered.

“We will be presenting council with an option, but we were thinking of moving with laptops,” said Schalekamp.

Council adopted both bylaws without opposition.

Council also discussed potential meeting requests for the 2026 Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention. Councillor Sam Atwal suggested a meeting with the Minister of Forests to discuss a community adjacent forestry buffer zone.

Atwal said the issue remained important after recent close calls with wildfire.

Kallies suggested meetings related to FireSmart funding and affordable housing, saying both were important to Sparwood. Council also discussed following up on a previous mental health advocacy meeting, with members noting they had not yet received a response.

Council later approved $3,000 in Category 2 community funding for the Ghostrider Adventure Camp Foundation to support the cost of four Sparwood children attending camp for one week.

Jenna Jensen, Director of Community Services, said the registered charity provides a one week outdoor summer program for children at risk. She said campers are identified by the Ministry of Children and Families and school youth workers across the Elk Valley.

The camp received $3,000 from Sparwood in both 2024 and 2025. Jensen said there was $13,243 remaining in the Category 2 funding budget before the request.

Atwal said he supported the funding but suggested the organization may be better suited to Category 1 funding in the future if the request continues annually.

“I just want to make sure that everybody’s covered in what we need,” said Atwal.

Kallies agreed, saying the program had received support for multiple years.

“One time only for Category 2 made sense. It’s been a couple years in a row, and perhaps it’s time to consider,” said Kallies.

Council approved the $3,000 request.

Council also approved the 2025 Statement of Financial Information. Caitlin Ceal, Deputy Director of Finance, said the annual report is required under the Financial Information Act and includes remuneration and expenses for elected officials, employees earning more than $75,000, payments to suppliers over $25,000 and grant payments.