Woodlands County council recap

Woodlands County Council discussed the following items at their regular scheduled meeting:

After receiving eight (8) proposals for the Anselmo Grader Beat, Woodlands County Council has directed Administration to continue providing the grader services using current internal operations. When reviewing operational costs and the values of the proposals, Woodlands County is currently offering the service at the lowest and most effective cost to the municipality.

As the COVID-19 health crisis continues to impact individuals and organizations across the globe, Woodlands County is in preparation for its annual tax rate bylaw for 2020 taxation notices. To support County taxpayers, Council has requested Administration to prepare a bylaw that reflects no late penalty charges until December 1, 2020. It is the hope that the additional five (5) months will provide some relief for those who require flexibility with their taxation payment. Council will review the bylaw at a special Council meeting on Wednesday, April 29.

In January 2020, after an approximate 15% reduction to Council honorariums, Council has further reduced its honorariums by 10% to support ongoing expense reductions while the municipality navigates the effects of the current pandemic. The reduction will remain in effect until the municipal office can reopen, and Council can safely resume onsite meetings. In addition to salary reductions, Council has reduced professional development funds for each Councillor by 33% ($5,000 each) for 2020.

Joining Council via video conference, Jeff Alliston, with Metrix Group LLP, provided Woodlands County Council with a presentation of the 2019 draft audited financial statements. Mr. Alliston reviewed the financial statements and audit results. He allowed Council the opportunity to ask questions before the presentation was accepted as information. The final audited statements will come back to Council for further review and comment.

Council has moved to hold a special Council meeting on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, commencing at 9:30 am. This meeting will be made available to the public and media through a live stream.