The Town of Bashaw’s agreement with Atco Gas expired last year and the town is reviewing it with no expected rate increases to Bashaw residents.
Coun. Bryan Gust said, at council’s regular meeting Oct. 15, it’s a tax that a lot of residents aren’t aware.
Atco Gas pays the town a franchise fee. The fee is collected from Bashaw customers based on a percentage of Atco’s tariff. The Town of Bashaw receives 15 per cent of what is collected.
In 2014 Atco collected $262,188 in tariffs and expects to collect $298,169 in 2016, which means the Town of Bashaw would get $44,725.
Council voted in favour of no increase and keeping the rate at 15 per cent.
Todd Phipps, from Atco Gas in Red Deer, gave council a presentation outlining the new agreement, fees and services.
Phipps said Atco Gas will work with Bashaw’s Fire Department in case lines are hit. “They are a great resource,” said Phipps.
Tracking cats and dogs
The Bashaw RCMP requested a list of the town’s registered dogs and owners so they can return the pets to the owners.
In addition, council approved Old MacDonald Kennels to patrol Bashaw for two one hour patrols per month.
Coun. Rosella Peterman said the patrols, by vans marked they are from Old MacDonald Kennels, will act as a deterrent to pet owners to keep their animals from running at large in town.
Coun. Bryan Gust agreed the extra patrols will act as a deterrent.
Unplanned expense
The Town of Bashaw didn’t budget the required approximate $4,500 in its 2015 budget for its share of the Regional Fire Service Coordinator position, which amounts to about $5.12 per capita.
“It was an oversight,” said new Town of Bashaw chief administrative officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller.
The town didn’t pay its fair share to the regional agreement in 2014 for the agreement, which was signed in 2013.
“We got a free pass last year,” said CAO Fuller.
Council made a motion to pay the $4,500 for 2015.
The town is also working with the fire chief on updating its fire department bylaw.
CAO Fuller told council, in her report, that the current bylaw focused on the fire chief and his responsibilities but the new one is more encompassing.
Youth justice
Chief Administrative Officer Theresa Fuller, in her report to council Oct. 15, said Bashaw RCMP Cst. Jeff Guillery is working on forming a youth justice committee.
