The Village of Elnora has seen about $300,000 in expenses on its new library project but has also seen over $600,000 in revenue on it too. Councillors heard a report on the project at their Dec. 10 regular meeting.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Sharon Wesgate reported on both revenues and expenses related to the development of a new public library.
For revenues, her report noted proceeds came from the sale of 210 Main Street, a grant from Red Deer County, sale of surplus equipment at Civic Centre #16, the new location, plus substantial grant money from two programs: the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) and Canadian Facility Enhance Program (CFEP).
According to Wesgate’s report revenues added up to $625,678.56.
Expenses in both 2023 and 2024 listed in Wesgate’s report included engineering, a deposit on the new property, development permits and legal fees, interior design and surveying, to name a few topics. These added up to $343,356.69 as of Sept. 30. It was noted the village awaits a decision on a $125,000 CFEP grant.
During discussion councillors noted the new library’s design plan isn’t written in stone and may be developed in phases.
Trimming trees
Councillors discussed ATCO Electric’s notice that some trees in the sports and recreation part of the village are causing concerns. The CAO reported ATCO had notified the village some trees near the campground are tall enough to cause concern about nearby power lines.
Wesgate stated the setback for these trees and the nearby power lines is three metres.
She reported that she contacted ATCO to discuss alternatives to cutting the trees in half or removing them; burying or relocating the lines in question were options discussed by councillors.
Mayor Jewel Bissell, Coun. Lisa Ferguson and Coun. Ron Duft all stated they didn’t want to see the trees cut; it was noted the trees in question are about 40 years old and have an expected lifespan of about 100 years.
Councillors agreed to await ATCO’s response on cost estimates for solutions other than cutting the trees.
On loan
The CAO gave an update on Elnora’s loaning of a speed monitor to the nearby Village of Delburne. She stated Delburne had set up the radar unit near the school and was very happy with it.
“The unit will be returned to the Village of Elnora before Christmas,” stated the CAO’s report.
Future plans
Wesgate reported on a discussion she had with staff at the Village of Big Valley regarding strategic plans; it was noted the provincial government requires municipalities to have a strategic plan to lay the groundwork for things like future development and programs.
Wesgate stated Big Valley is in the process of updating their strategic plan.
The CAO noted Elnora hasn’t updated their plan since 2011. “It’s pretty outdated,” said Wesgate.
While strategic plans are required Westgate noted they require extensive public consultation and therefore cost money and take time.
Councillors discussed whether Elnora and Big Valley, which are somewhat similar in size and nature, could work together on their strategic plans to save money.
The CAO stated she will report back on the subject at a future meeting.
Audit warning
The CAO reported that a fellow central Alberta municipality has had difficulty finding a firm to act as their official auditor.
During discussion it was stated that recent changes to municipal audit laws have made it more time consuming to conduct a municipal audit and some firms don’t have the staff to do it.
It was also mentioned that there is some liability connected to municipal audits. Wesgate stated she felt this was important to councillors to be aware of.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
