Delburne village council was presented with the Village’s audited financial statements by its accounting firm at its meeting of April 23, 2019.
The net financial assets of the village for 2018 totalled $1.46 million showing an increase of $420,000 over 2017.
Council heard from auditor Justin Tanner of Gitzel and Company that the village has a strong cash basis.
“Taxpayers always decry paying taxes when there is extra cash and no debt,” said Tanner.
Unanimous approval was given to Coun. Jeff Bourne’s motion to accept the 2018 financial statements as presented.
Coun. Tim Wilson, the village’s representative on CAEP (Central Alberta Economic Partnership) informed council of its economic development initiative, Business Investment and Attraction Readiness (BIAR).
Council discussed this initiative expressing concerns and opted to accept it for information only.
The initiative is being funded through Alberta’s Community and Regional Economic Support Program (CARES) to assist central Alberta municipalities to improve their municipal investment readiness and success in growing and retaining business investment.
This initiative is limited to eight CAEP municipal members on a first come-first serve basis.
The program would cost the municipality $5,500 to participate.
“Delburne has not yet designed or completed its economic plan,” said Mayor Bill Chandler.
Coun. Darlene Dushanek questioned whether citizens were really engaged in economic development.
“If we are not going to use the tool,” said Wilson, “then let’s not participate!”
Delburne’s land use bylaw will be amended due to applications received for zoning changes.
In particular, there is no zoning designation for “recreation areas.”
Included in this bylaw should be parks, arenas, curling rinks, skateboard parks and baseball diamonds.
Administration will begin the process by setting up a public hearing to address these changes.
Ray Reckseidler
ECA Review
