A Delia resident voiced complaints about bylaw enforcement and the resulting financial stress at the regular council meeting of the Village of Delia on July 9.
Archibald McKean expressed frustration during a public presentation, citing perceived bylaw violations and unresolved concerns with a former Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
McKean described the previous CAO as ‘passive-aggressive’ and difficult to deal with.
McKean alleged that bylaws were being abused and not followed and he experienced difficulties accessing bylaws online. He claimed his taxes for the past year and his water bill for the last three years were incorrect and that he was unfairly charged late fees.
He highlighted that the advertised prices on the Village of Delia website for water and sewage did not match what he was charged. Specifically, his fixed rate for water rose to $27.30 from $25 per month, the variable water rate increased to $3.90 per cubic metre from $3.50 per cubic metre, and sewage costs rose to $19.40 per month from $17.
Upon investigation the ECA Review found 2020 rates posted on the Village of Delia’s website as $25 fixed rate for water, the variable water rate of $3.50 per cubic metre and $17 per month for sewage. Posted for 2024, the rates were $27.30 per month, $3.90 per cubic metre and $19.40 per month, respectively.
According to CAO Lena Beninger, the rate table for utility accounts starts on the date referenced in the bylaw and extends into the future to ensure the rate does not expire. In this case, it is set to December 2099. The utility bill should present the rates as the consumption month, e.g., June 1 to June 30, however, the rate ending date for the water fixed operating charge appears as December 2099 instead of June 30.
Beninger explained that this is a software error and the council has been working with the software vendor to correct the issue since it was installed.
CAO Beninger stated that Mr. McKean believes his water charges cover the entire period referenced by the date rather than the consumption per month. Efforts to explain the error have not been successful.
McKean criticized the new council for not following the existing bylaws saying “trying to find information is impossible.”
Beninger noted that the village is currently undertaking a more structured process to review policies and bylaws to ensure they are up to date.
McKean expressed hope that the new council would “say what you’ll do and do what you say.”
Beninger stated that the council strives for “communication to be effective,” and suggested McKean call to set up a meeting to address the issues.
“Just so you know, we have been working hard on this,” Deputy Mayor Jim Adam added.
Council agreed that CAO Beninger meet with Archibald McKean to go over documentation and find a best way forward to address his concerns.
At the meeting, Harold Johnsrude, an Official Administrator from Alberta Municipal Affairs appointed by Honourable Ric McIver, was present to supervise the municipality and its council.
Johnsrude’s appointment will continue until the completion of the village’s viability review and the vote of electors on the question of dissolution.
Johnsrude stated his role was to ensure all financial statements were up to date and provide oversight.
He clarified that he is not part of the council, would not engage in dialogue with the public and that the public should continue to communicate with the mayor and council.
Johnsrude’s role would be to suggest ways to improve as well as identify areas where decisions or actions may contravene the Municipal Government Act.
He emphasized the challenge small municipalities face is in being familiar with regulations, noting that it can be overwhelming and expressed a desire to help improve council governance.
Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia reporter
ECA Review