Whitecourt Town Council update

 

 

 

Council held its annual Organizational Meeting on October 24.  Members of Council were appointed to various boards and committees, and Councillor Norm Hodgson was appointed as the Deputy Mayor from November 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. Details on who will be representing Council on local committees can be found on the Town’s website by searching “Council Profiles.”

 

The remaining $15,000 in the 2016 Enhancement Grant Program has been allocated. The grant provides funds to assist groups with expenses related to enhancing current programming to include an arts, culture or recreation component. Funding has been allocated as follows:

• Whitecourt District Preschool Society – $1,328.57 for Library Revitalization
• Sabres Cheer Spirit All-Star Cheerleading Club – $1,457.14 for a Tumble Trak
• Whitecourt Minor Ball Association – $3,915.99 for a Training Initiative
• Whitecourt Slo Pitch Association – $5,840.27 for Batting Mats and Magnetic Bases
• Whitecourt Teen Centre – $2,458.03 for a new Teen Centre Entrance

 

Council has set the Fortis Alberta Franchise Fee rate for 2017 at 2.89%. Every year Council has the opportunity to review the franchise fee charged for the delivery of electricity to town residents. The franchise fee is paid in exchange for giving Fortis the exclusive right to supply power distribution in Town. The average franchise fee rate for all municipalities is 7.8%.

 

Deliberations on the 2017 Budget are underway, and Council has approved a schedule for meetings in order to complete the budget. A Special Meeting of Council will be held on December 14, 2016 so that Council can review the Interim Budget, and it is proposed that the Interim Budget will be passed at Council’s Regular Meeting on December 19. Per the Municipal Government Act, the interim budget must be adopted before December 31.

 

Council has awarded a contract for audit services for the next three years to Hawkings, Epp, Dumont LLP.