Edson town council has been given a clean audit verdict following a review of the 2024 financial statements, and received the results of the 2026 Budget and Citizen Satisfaction Engagement conducted earlier this year.
Municipalities’ audited financial statements must be submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs by May 1 each year, but Edson requested a deadline extension due to vacancies in the previous year. These statements must be audited independently, and MNP, LLP Chartered Professional Accountants was appointed for the town.
The organization ruled, “the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the town as at December 31, 2024.”
According to the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Accumulated Surplus, the town finished 2024 with $35.4 million in revenue, above the projected $30.7 in Budget 2024. Expenses came out to $31.2 million, also higher than the 2024 budget, which projected $26.8 million.
All together, the accumulated operating surplus at the end of 2024 came to $150.1 million, though the budget had estimated $171.8 million.
Council also saw a report summarizing the results of the 2026 budget engagement that took place in the spring. This included a public survey, a series of open houses and strategic focus groups.
In total, 228 residents participated in the public surveys, 22 in the open houses and 21 in the focus groups.
The report found the need for responsible and forward-thinking investment into infrastructure to be a unifying theme across discussions, whether it was tied to road and sidewalk maintenance, snow removal, downtown revitalization or public facilities.
There was also a notable call for increased public safety, particularly in areas where encampments have become more prominent. This was reflected in relatively lower satisfaction levels in Public Works and Enforcement Services, officials say, pointing to a desire for visible and responsible service delivery.
Financially, participants demonstrated understanding that certain priorities will require additional funding, while also communicating an expectation that those investments will deliver clear and measurable value to the community. Similar to 2025 engagement, residents appeared willing to support a modest user fee increase to support these investments.
Overall, “The findings of this process underscore a community that is both realistic and forward-looking, prepared to make investments that sustain essential services, strengthen infrastructure, and enhance the local quality of life, while being prudent in dealing with current fiscal challenges,” the report concluded.
The feedback received during engagement is one of many factors to be considered by council as it moves into finalizing the 2026 budget.
Council received the engagement report for information and approved the financial audit as presented during its regular meeting last week.
