The Budget Process

Developing a budget is a year-round process.  Administration prepares a budget to cover the next year’s anticipated operating and capital costs. This budget is then reviewed by Clearwater County Council during meetings that run over multiple days (Strategic Planning Council Committee of the Whole meetings - or budget deliberations).  

What is an operating budget?

The operating budget shows the day-to-day costs of delivering programs and services for the next year. These costs are similar to your everyday household expenses such as mortgage payments, utilities or groceries.

The operations budget is prepared to a four-year outlook, but reviewed and approved yearly. 

What is a capital budget?

The capital budget indicates the funds needed for a specific year of the 10-year capital planning period. It is how major projects are funded such as bridge rehabilitation and construction; building and improving public facilities such as recreation facilities (Rocky Regional Recreation Centre), community centres/halls, fire halls and equipment; dealing with growth pressures such as new roads; and new initiatives. These costs are similar to adding an addition to your home this year.

The capital budget is prepared to a 10-year outlook, but reviewed and approved yearly.

To view the below infographic of the annual budget process (January - December) in a larger format in a new window, click here.

2023 Draft Budget

Clearwater County Council held budget deliberations on December 7-9, 2022 in preparation for adopting the 2023 budget on December 20, 2022. Visit the budget feedback page to view the summary document and to provide feedback. 

The official news release will be available soon.

2022 Approved Budget

2021 Approved Budget 

2020 Approved Budget