By Marianne Cole
Reeve Returns with New Deputy Reeve
In a two-person contest against Michelle Swanson, Daryl Lougheed was re-elected as Reeve for a second one year term at the Clearwater County Organizational meeting on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. Following his swearing in Reeve Lougheed commented that accepting the position is “less about politics and more about service.” We certainly thank him for his dedicated efforts in that regard.
Subsequently, in another two person contest Gennifer Mehlhafff defeated Bryan Cermak to become our new Deputy Reeve. Newly elected as councillor for Division 1 (south-west of Rocky) in 2020, Deputy Reeve Mehlhaff has been a tireless worker on behalf of all county residents and we congratulate her on her new position as Deputy Reeve.
2021 Audited Financial Statements
The 2021 Audited Financial Statements were finally presented at Council’s October 25, 2022 meeting. Normally presented in late April/early May they were delayed this year due to complications with the dissolution of the Rocky Municipal Waste Authority (a former joint operation with the town of Rocky and Village of Caroline). Notable financial highlights were:
· An increase of $268,792 in revenue from 2020 to 2021
· An annual surplus of $2,717,854 in 2021
· An accumulated “Restricted Surplus” of $109,198,656. These monies are dedicated to 24 specific areas/departments of operation and may be accessed when necessary for over-budget costs incurred there. The 2021 total is down $4.7million from 2020 but is still a significantly large surplus.
· Salaries, wages, and benefit expenses increased $1,358,513 or 9.8% from 2020 to 2021.
Comments made by both county staff and the auditor suggested the county is in a strong financial position. Significant money was collected in concerning unpaid taxes and the Nordegg lots have been selling very well. Maybe with such strong reserves and good financial position, we can look forward to reduced municipal taxes as the 2023 budget is prepared/passed.
MDP Review
In recent conversation with the county’s Planning Department it was noted that a summary of “What We’ve Heard” is being prepared and discussed with Council. A meeting on the matter was held Wednesday, October 26, 2022 and there is an up-coming meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 3, 2022. Unfortunately these meetings are not being videoed.
Following these meetings a summary of information will be presented publicly. We will keep our fingers crossed that the re-draft of the MDP is reflective of the voice of the people.
Up-Coming AGM
The Clearwater County Taxpayers’ Association Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 7:30PM at the Arbutus Community Hall. Special guest speakers will be RCMP Staff Sgt. Carl Dinsdale and RCMP Cst. Harold Smits. We sincerely welcome them and invite everyone to come and hear information on rural crime concerns and future policing matters.
Coming Events
Wednesday, November 9, 2022, 7:30PM, Arbutus Community Hall, Annual General Meeting with guest speakers from the RCMP
Wednesday, January 11, 2023, 7:30PM, Arbutus Community Hall, Regular Meeting
Thoughts for November: “There can be no dedication to Canada’s future without a knowledge of its past” John Diefenbaker
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” John Campbell
