Barrhead County’s council recently approved multiple operating budgets and service investments, in addition to a reimbursement increase for councillors’ electronic devices.
Barrhead Regional Fire Services
The Barrhead Regional Fire Services (BRFS) operating budget for 2026 has been approved at $1,047,220, which includes an estimated county contribution of $553,660:
- Fire fighting fees (in the county): $150,000
- Ambulance assists (in the county): $25,000
- Guardian and dispatch fees: $28,480
- Half of net operating costs for BRFS: $350,180
Officials say this contribution is $19,240 higher than it was in 2025 due to planned attendance at the FDIC International Conference for Fire & Rescue Professionals, as well as salary increases for firefighting personnel.
The BRFS 2026 Capital Budget is set at $16,000, including $8,000 from both the town and county for the purchase of radios compliant with the Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System.
The 2026 Emergency Response Centre (ERC) Operating Budget is $56,900 which includes a $28,450 contribution from each municipality, down $250 from 2025.
The 2026 ERC Capital Budget has been approved at $31,900, which includes grant revenue of $5,000 and a contribution from each municipality of $13,450 for onsite training facility and boiler replacement.
The BRFS Committee reviewed the 2026 operating and capital budgets at the beginning of October and the Town of Barrhead approved them as presented on Oct. 14.
Barrhead Regional Landfill
Council approved the 2026 Barrhead Regional Landfill Operating Budget at $359,280, which includes a contribution of $104,390 from the county and from the Town of Barrhead.
This budget is $8,130 higher than the 2025 Operating Budget, which administration officials say is due to an increase in benefits and salaries. Tipping fees will increase by 10 per cent per load in 2026 to offset this expense increase, the county notes.
The 2026 Capital Budget was also approved, with no new contribution needed from the county, in addition to the Three-Year Financial Plan and 10-Year Capital Plan.
The Town of Barrhead acts as the unit of authority for the landfill and as such, prepares the joint budget. The Barrhead Regional Landfill Committee reviewed the budget on Oct. 14 and the Town of Barrhead approved it on its end on Oct. 28.
Family and Community Support Services
Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) operates as a joint partnership between the Town of Barrhead and County of Barrhead to leverage provincial funding. As per the FCSS funding formula, the town and county jointly cover 20 per cent of the FCSS budget, while the province contributes 80 per cent.
The 2026 Operating Budget for FCSS has been approved at $937,283, with the town and county each contributing $77,149. This is the same contribution amount as 2024 and 2025.
The Town of Barrhead also approved the budget on Oct. 28.
Barrhead and District Twinning Committee
The Barrhead and District Twinning Committee organizes and supports visits and other cultural exchanges with the region’s sister towns, like Tokoro, Japan; Drouin, Australia; and Chapala, Mexico. Twinning partnerships between international municipalities are intended to bring together individuals from different parts of the world, benefiting officials and community members.
The committee approved its operating budget mid-September, and this council approval formally ratified it.
The 2026 Operating Budget was approved at $8,100, which includes a contribution of $4,050 from each municipality.
The budget includes a delegation to Japan in 2026, as well as activities and gifts for the Japanese delegation coming to Barrhead the same year.
The 2027-2029 financial plan was also approved, and includes hosting the 2027 Twinning Municipalities Conference.
Barrhead Public Library
Barrhead County’s contribution to the 2026 library budget has been approved at $177,933, as requested.
Funding is based on a per capita rate, which has increased 19.8 per cent from 2025, from $24 to $29. Library officials say the increase accommodates a three per cent cost of living raise, as well as improvements to the collections system.
Reimbursement
Council approved an increase to the reimbursement for councillor electronic devices from $500 to $1,000. This is the first increase to this reimbursement since 2019.
During the 2021-2025 term, five out of seven elected officials utilized the reimbursement.
Councillors can select their preferred device, but must be able to access email and Google Drive to read documents.
The above decisions were approved during the regularly scheduled meeting of council on Nov. 4.
