Following a 2023 year which saw the County of Paintearth show a significant surplus, council has seen fit to plan for the future with the transfer of funds to restricted surplus reserves.
During the April 3 council meeting, in a motion by Coun. Terry Vockeroth, $5.25 million was transferred into a number of restricted surplus accounts.
The two largest transfers were the broadband capital reserve, which received $2 million, and the water projects reserve, which received $1.65 million.
Other areas receiving large top-ups are the public works buildings reserve, which received $500,000, the public works machinery and equipment reserve and the public works vehicles reserve, which each received $300,000, and the public works road development reserve, which received $200,000.
In addition to the larger transfers, lesser amounts were transferred into a variety of accounts including the admin building reserve, the fire vehicle reserve, the bylaw vehicle reserve, sever Ag. Services Board reserve accounts and the Brownfield Water reserve to name a few.
Coronation District 4H
County of Paintearth council has opted to continue support of the Coronation and District 4H show and sale.
The 2024 show is being held June 4 and 5 in Compeer.
When administration was asked by council what was previously donated, assistant chief administrative officer (CAO) Lana Roth noted that she believed it was $500.
“I think everyone is comfortable with $500,” said Reeve Stan Schulmeister.
Coun. Diane Elliot put forward the motion to approve the donation.
Assessment extension
Accurate Assessment Group, which had a contract with the county for assessment services from 2019 to 2023 put forward a request for a contract extension which would see the municipality retain their services until 2026.
“The asking is more of a formality,” said CAO Michael Simpson, noting it was administration’s recommendation to extend the agreement.
The motion to continue the agreement was put forward by deputy Reeve Maurice Wiart.
CAO
CAO Simpson reported that he has been busy since the last council meeting in early March.
Simpson noted that he has been working with the new administration and council of the Village of Halkirk as that municipality moves forward following the by-election which saw the election of an entirely new council and the subsequent departure of the CAO.
Additionally, Simpson has met with the councils of Castor, Halkirk, and Coronation to discuss a proposed inter-municipal water servicing agreement. He noted that Halkirk and Coronation were on board to begin negotiations, but Castor had no thirst for the “idea at this time.”
“We know they want some things from us,” said Simpson
“We’ll get back to Castor in due time.”
Simpson noted that including the inter-municipal water discussion in upcoming inter-communication collaboration framework agreement discussions with Castor could be a prudent course of action.