Big Valley village council approved their interim 2025 budget which staff explained was an extension of the existing budget. The resolution was passed at the Dec. 16 regular meeting of council.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Colleen Mayne reported to council on their options for an interim 2025 budget; the Government of Alberta requires municipalities to have an interim budget for the upcoming year in place before Jan. 1; in theory, if no interim budget is in place no business can be conducted because the Municipal Government Act (MGA) has strict rules about spending taxpayer money without a budget.
The CAO recommended councillors approve the existing 2024 budget as an interim budget for the coming year.
Mayne explained the full 2025 budget can’t be developed yet because municipalities must include provincial requisitions into their budgets, and those requisition numbers usually aren’t available until late winter or early spring.
Once requisition numbers and other factors, such as the municipality’s audited financial statement and assessment growth are in place, the CAO explained councillors can begin talking about the 2025 mill rate, tax bylaw and full 2025 budget.
As councillors discussed the interim budget, the CAO observed that there is $50,000 listed under Public Works for repairs to that department’s tractor, an important piece of equipment used for things like snow removal.
Mayne stated those repairs were not included in the 2024 budget and will be listed in 2025 instead; she added that the village is seeking grant money to help pay for those repairs.
Councillors unanimously approved the village’s 2025 interim budget.
Assessor
Councillors approved a five-year contract between the village and Wild Rose Assessment Services for the company to act as the municipality’s official assessor.
Article 4 of the agreement notes that in return for services Big Valley will pay a fee of $9,900 in the first year with increases up to $10,300 in the fifth year.
Duties to be provided by the assessor include assessment of new and progressive buildings, land valuation, review sales for market value studies, prepare assessment audit functions, review obsolescence and market trends, attend to ratepayer concerns, reevaluation of property to current market value and re-inspection of improved parcels.
Public Works report
Councillors perused the regular report of Public Works Foreman Tammy Rotvik, who noted she had recently completed a training course referred to as “FOGS,” or “fats, oils and grease.” The course refers to substances which can end up in the water and wastewater system, affecting important infrastructure such as the lift station and lagoon.
Rotvik noted she also completed an exercise conducted under the Stettler Regional Emergency Management Agency (SREMA); the exercise was completely “table top,” meaning theoretical and with all members of the agency around a table performing their applicable duties.
The topic of the emergency was an active shooter in a school setting.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Revie
