The Town of Mayerthorpe is requesting an urgent meeting with the minister of public safety and emergency services regarding the new Police Funding Model (PFM), which is projected to increase police costs by 320 per cent over the next five years.
In December 2025, the Government of Alberta announced changes to the PFM, which will require municipalities with populations under 5,000 to cover 22 per cent of front-line policing costs, with a gradual increase to 30 per cent over the next five years. The increase goes into effect for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The Town of Mayerthorpe says it recently received the cost projections for the change, which indicate a 320 per cent increase in policing costs over the next five years. The town says that increase “far exceeds” regular inflationary growth and would place an unsustainable burden on local taxpayers.
“The magnitude of this increase is alarming,” says Mayor A.J. Malcolm. “Our council is committed to responsible fiscal management, and these projected costs would severely affect our ability to deliver essential services to residents.”
Mayerthorpe town council has unanimously resolved to request an urgent meeting with Minister Mike Ellis at his Edmonton office before Feb. 28, to explore more sustainable solutions for small and rural municipalities.
Town council stresses that a prompt dialogue is critical, given the timing of municipal budget planning for 2026.
“The Town of Mayerthorpe values public safety, but the current cost trajectory is not financially viable for our community,” Malcolm adds. “We are seeking a collaborative approach that balances effective policing with affordability for residents.”
The Town of Onoway and Alberta Municipalities shared similar concerns about the increase last month, highlighting that the increase doesn’t guarantee improved service levels.
Related: Onoway, ABmunis share concerns about higher rural policing costs
