Council discussed village security following several break-ins at local businesses at the Village of Forestburg regular council meeting on June 13.
It was noted that at least two businesses on Main Street already have surveillance cameras however more may be needed.
Some residents have expressed their concern, noted Mayor Blaise Young and in light of the recent string of break-ins, wondered about potential measures to enhance security downtown.
Mayor Young reported that he had spoken with the RCMP regarding privacy concerns associated with increased camera surveillance.
He suggested conducting a survey to gauge sentiment about implementing night time surveillance cameras, proposing that the cameras operate from midnight to 6 a.m.
“The people who are breaking into these stores are not doing it in the afternoon.”
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Dwight Dibben mentioned that in his discussion with the RCMP it was recommended a high-quality camera system is best as even capturing a licence plate could be helpful in their investigations.
Mayor Young noted that a downtown business owner volunteered to install a camera on their property to enhance security.
CAO Dibben emphasized that this would not raise legal or privacy issues as it would monitor public areas and village assets.
“It would be nice to let people know that we are looking into it,” Mayor Young commented.
Council agreed that CAO Dibben would research the cost and image quality of various security cameras and bring the findings back for further consideration.
Operating and capital budgets
Forestburg town council reviewed its three-year operating budget and five-year capital budget during the Village of Forestburg’s regular council meeting on June 13.
Alberta Municipal Affairs mandates that all Alberta municipalities complete and submit an annual three-year operating budget and a five-year capital budget.
The operating plan includes the current fiscal year as year one of the three-year plan.
Administration prepared a three-year anticipated operating expenses plan, which included basic budgetary requirements for operating the Village of Forestburg and any anticipated operating revenues required to complete capital projects outlined in the budget.
The three-year operating plan was based on a two per cent increase in both general and regular expenditures. The projected operating plan is anticipated to affect property tax rates and utility rates.
Estimated taxes for a residential property with a $100,000 in assessment would increase to $1,394.50 in 2025 from $1,320.54 in 2024.
The non-residential taxes per $100,000 in assessed value would increase to $2,346.73 in 2025 from $2,300.72 in 2024.
“This is consistent with other municipalities,” noted Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Dwight Dibben.
The projected property tax rate increases are based on the assessed values recorded for the 2023 tax year.
Projected utility rates are based on 2023 actual consumption, factoring in the costs of providing service, including inflationary costs. Rates are calculated to ensure a margin was realized to generate the necessary revenue for municipal operations and expenses.
Water rate usage is projected to increase to $2.64 in 2025, up from $2.58 in 2024 with maintenance costs increasing $25.20 in 2025 up from $24.70 in 2024.
Sewer rate usage would stay consistent with 2024 rates at $0.72 and $9 for maintenance. The garbage rate at $30.35, gas consumption rate at $1.80, maintenance rate at $38.65, capital fund rate at $0.35 and fire rate of $12.05 would also remain at 2024 levels.
CAO Dibben noted that the two per cent increase does not “keep us ahead of inflation,” but money could be raised through assessments and property values rather than artificially through tax increases.
“We know costs are going up,” Dibben said, adding that in some years the increase has been five per cent, “we believe a two per cent increase is a realistic overall number,” adding that the municipality has the statutory right to reassess it yearly.
It was also noted that current staffing numbers were insufficient and language in the plan would be amended as necessary to achieve the village’s goals and needs.
Council passed a motion to amend and accept the proposed 2024-2026 Village of Forestburg Operation plan.
Capital plan
Council reviewed the five year capital plan, which includes the current fiscal year as year one of the five year plan.
The plan includes approximately $1,850,000 in capital projects over the next five years.
These projects represent a continuing commitment to the village’s infrastructure and underground improvements, system expansion and looping, and continued road reconstruction and replacement as finances allow.
The five-year plan also includes a fiscal placeholder for sanitary system improvements in 2024, based on assessments and inspections this year and next.
Council previously requested an update to the 2019 infrastructure report due to the impacts of COVID-19 and its economic effects. This update was completed in early 2022 and now serves as the basis of the long-term capital plan.
Council elected to upgrade the west lift station and forcemain project which was identified as a high priority in the 2022 infrastructure status report.
The municipality will also undertake significant road construction and accompanying underground and above ground utility service installation in the industrial subdivision south of Hwy. 53. The work is estimated to cost approximately $3.6 million and will be largely funded by the federal government’s contribution from the Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF).
Replacement of the entranceway and improving access at the Farvolden building, along with completing the installation of a backup generator at the Forestburg Community Hall, are also included.
“We might be a little light on the road construction projects,” noted Coun. Robert Frizzell.
CAO Dibben agreed, mentioning several other projects that require attention and that the amended plan would include updates to road projects, roadway repairs and dust control measures.
Funding of capital projects is accomplished through grants, reserves, property taxes and/or loans.
Council passed a motion to amend and accept the proposed 2024-2028 Capital Plan.
Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia reporter
ECA review
