Leduc County renews cost-sharing agreements

LEDUC COUNTY -- Leduc County has renewed its recreational cost-share agreements with a trio of local municipalities.

The agreements with the City of Beaumont, Town of Thorsby, and Village of Warburg, allow for cost-sharing on a variety of recreational amenities. The agreements were first put in place 35 years ago and include library and cultural services as well. County administration says the longstanding partnerships include a commitment to ongoing collaboration, regular meetings, and continuous improvement of the agreements.

For their agreement with the City of Beaumont, cost of certain services has increased since 2022. The County says this is a result of increased costs such as wages, utilities and general services. This also includes adjustments that were required as the Beaumont Sport and Recreation Centre continues see increased participation. The Athletic field contribution has been adjusted to 25 per cent from 34 per cent, and a cap of $60,000 has been applied to the Beaumont Community Centre. The three-year deal will see Leduc County contribute $550,000 in 2025, $615,000 in 2026, and $650,000 in 2027.

For their new deal with the Town of Thorsby, the County says adjustments are consistent with other partner agreements, including changes to include terms and renewals, defining capital costs. The budget contribution amount has been adjusted from 50 per cent to 60 per cent, which County staff say offered added financial support during the budget year. Meantime, dispute resolutions have changed to refer to the Inter Collaboration Framework dispute process.

The new agreement with the Village of Warburg will see a proportionate population percentage of 74 per cent applied to shared services. This percentage continues the commitment of Leduc County from 2012, and is seven per cent higher than the traditional per capita allocation. County staff recommends this commitment be maintained until 2027; at which time it will be reviewed using 2026 Federal Census information.

The County notes that the three new agreements further confirm its commitment to recreation in the region, and its partnership with local municipalities in service provision for residents.