Youngstown selects auditor

Written by Terri Huxley

Two options for a new auditor was presented to Youngstown council Wed. Jan. 5 with Brian King Professional Corp. based out of Hardisty, Alta. being selected.

They quoted $9,000 per year for a four-year contract.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Emma Garlock shared that King ‘gets small municipalities’ after hearing from quite a few clients including other similar-sized villages who were satisfied with his work.

“I think he’d be the one to try,” said Mayor Robert Blagen.

Council passed a motion to go with Brian King Professional Corp. with the condition a review takes place after two years of service to assess the situation if needed.

Water bylaw 

Council agreed to increase and set new water and sewer rates for the 2022 year within the village.

The increase of approximately three per cent is due to increases passed on by Henry Kroeger Regional Water Services Commission as well as increased repair and maintenance costs.

Residential water (minimum 30 cubic metres bimonthly) is $105 with any overages coming to $3.50 per cubic metre.

As for sewer rates, residences and churches will now pay $45, small business at $60 and large business and the school at $130.

Special Areas has a special bimonthly usage rate of $1,450.

Interim budget passed

Council passed the 2022 interim budget.

Possible projects were discussed including an update to administration’s software from MIG to Muniware at $18,000 from MSI Operating.

There was also talk of replacing one of the fire hydrants in town as it was first installed in the 70s and no longer works properly. This would be covered in the water portion of the budget.

For sidewalks, council is looking at expanding them from four feet to five feet in some parts of Main Street for a more cohesive look but nothing is set in stone at this time.

The official 2022 budget will be accepted in the spring.

 

Terri Huxley

ECA Review

About the author

Terri Huxley

Terri grew up on a grain farm near Drumheller, Alberta with an eye for the beautiful and uncharted. Living in such a unique and diverse area has helped her become the photographer and reporter she is today.

Coming from the East Central region getting this newspaper on her dinner table growing up, it helped her understand the community she now serves.

In May 2019, Terri was awarded Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association (AWNA) Canada's Energy Citizens Photographic Awards Sports Action – First Place as well as first for the same sports action image nationally with the Canadian Community Newspaper Association (CCNA). Fast forward to 2020, she has won second in the same category for the AWNA.