Town asking for resident’s ideas ahead of 2026 budget

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On July 30, the Town of Taber sent out a media release inviting the public to submit budget ideas for 2026. Residents are being asked to help directly shape the upcoming municipal budget.

 “Through this new engagement opportunity, any Taber resident (of any age) can submit ideas or project suggestions for Council to consider as part of the 2026 Budget planning process,” the release said. “Whether it’s an improvement to a park, a new piece of infrastructure, or an idea for a community program, residents are encouraged to share their vision for a better Taber.”

 “This is a new way to turn local ideas into real community improvements,” Mayor Andrew Prokop said. “We want to hear directly from our residents – what matters to you, what inspires you, and what you think would make Taber an even better place to work, play, raise families, and grow.”

 The Town is using online or paper formats in which residents can offer as many suggestions as they wish. The administration will review the submissions, estimate costs and feasibility, and compile the proposals into a report for council.

 Director of Finance Rob Osmond presented the idea to council at a July 21 meeting and said that once the submissions had been formatted as proposals, the council would have the opportunity to review them during budget deliberations in late-September.

 The news release said that all submissions must be within municipal jurisdiction, “meaning they must fall under the types of services and projects the Town is responsible for, such as roads, parks, recreation, local programs, and Town-owned infrastructure.”

 The online form is currently accessible through the main page of the Town’s website and is two mouse clicks away on a third-party platform. Previous budgets and FAQs are easily accessible through links on the website. Paper copies are also available at the Town office.

 The form asks for a project name, request type, project description, best estimate of costs (initial and ongoing), and funding sources. The deadline is Aug. 27.