Woodlands County council discussed the following items during their recent meeting this week:
Following budget discussions over the past three months, council adopted the 2024 Operating and Capital budgets. In accordance with the five-year financial plan, County officials say the budget reflects a three per cent taxation increase and a one per cent increase in operating funding. The Capital budget contains $3 million in funding for capital projects through taxation, $875,000 in additional funding, $4.25 million in debentures, and $1,993,404 transferred to reserves. The budget document can be viewed on the Woodlands County website.
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Council approved a one-time grant of $11,582 to the Fort Assiniboine Parent Society breakfast program from the 2024 budget. The Parent Society is required to provide a final report detailing the usage of funds, including a budget, to council by the end of the 2024 school year.
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Council adopted Policy 1520 – Asset Retirement Obligation. The policy outlines the accounting treatment for Woodlands County’s tangible capital assets and their end-of-life obligations, such as sewage lagoons, landfills, gravel pits, and any other potential liability for environmental requirements.
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Due to an increase in vandalism, after-hours usage, and improper disposal of waste at Woodlands County transfer sites, the take-it-or-leave-it areas will be removed. Woodlands County is reviewing methods and tools to increase safety and deter vandalism at the transfer sites.
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Council endorsed a letter of support for the Growth Regional Economic Development Alliance’s Northern and Regional Economic Develop (NRED) program application. County officials say the grant will fund a local task force focused on creating discussion, understanding, and education surrounding national and international emissions legislation and their effects on businesses in the region.
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Council endorsed Woodlands County’s Small Community Opportunity Program grant application for enhancing economic diversification and agri-foods growth. The grant is expected to fund an Agri-Foods Local Market and Logistics Study and a Rural Alberta Economic Development Best Practices Benchmark Study. The studies are hoped to provide a better understanding of the current agri-foods industry in the county and provide economic benchmarks comparing it with other municipalities.
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Strydhorst Enterprises was awarded the Erosion Repairs on Groat Creek Road project at a value of $129,535 plus taxes. Due to the 2023 floods, the bank at Groat Creek Road eroded impacting the edge of the road allowance and a portion of the guardrail. Repairs are required prior to spring to ensure further erosion does not occur.
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As part of the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework agreement, council approved a cost share of $61,000 to the Town of Whitecourt from the 2023 FCSS grant. Woodlands County residents can access FCSS programs in Whitecourt, Mayerthorpe and Barrhead.
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The 2024 Whitecourt Regional Landfill Authority Operating and Capital budget in the amount of $366,573 was approved.
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The regular council meeting on January 3, 2024, is cancelled as staff return from holidays.
Upcoming scheduled meetings:
- Regular Council – Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
- Governance and Priorities – Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
- Regular Council – Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
Meetings are held in-person at the Municipal Office in Whitecourt and streamed on the Woodlands County YouTube channel. Agenda packages are available on the Woodlands County CivicWeb Portal.
