ECA Review 2022-12-01

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2 D ecember 1'22 HANNA/CORONATION/STETTLER, AB. ECA REVIEW International VOLUNTEER DAY SEE OUR NEW SPACE, HAVE A TREAT AND ENTER TO WIN A DOOR PRIZE! Tuesday, December 6 1-3 pm 4804-50 St (accross from Scotiabank) International Volunteer Day is a global celebration of volunteers. It takes place every year on December 5 to shine a light on the impact of volunteer efforts everywhere. Paintearth Lodge’s Christmas Memory Tree Please Consider Participating in The Paintearth Lodge Christmas Tree recognition program for the year 2022. We are selling beautiful porcelain star ornaments, ‘In Memory’ of someone special to you - who is no longer with us, The stars are sold for $25 each and will be on display on the Paintearth Lodge Christmas Tree throughout the Season. When the ‘Memory Stars’ are taken down the names will Be written In a Book Of Memories Along with your Additional comments. The $ 25 00 is a tax-deductible donation to the Paintearth Lodge BASHAW COUNCIL Council hears tax incentive idea from chamber Stu Salkeld Local Journalism Initiative reporter ECA Review It’s an idea that’s gaining steam in a number of central Alberta communities: an incentive for new and existing businesses that could amount to low or no tax bills on certain construction for a year. The idea was floated to Town of Bashaw council Nov. 21 at their regular meeting. Bashaw Chamber of Commerce representatives Ty Wilson and Dan Zembal appeared before council as a delegation to discuss the idea of a tax incentive that lowers or even eliminates tax bills for new and existing businesses, depending on circumstances. As the chamber delegates began they described the idea as a tax benefit on improved properties that’s a pilot program running in neighbouring communities that seems like a good idea and is rather new. The chamber delegates stated they understand how intricate a town’s budget can be but also saw the value in a tax incentive to attract new business or encourage existing businesses to improve their operations, and in return earn a reduction or elimination of their tax bill. The chamber delegates suggested a three year program that ran in tiers and with certain minimum dollar amounts. It was noted at the meeting some other communities that offer such an incentive have up to 100 per cent tax rebate on development that meets the program criteria in the first year, and as years go by the rebate shrinks until it eventually disappears. The chamber delegates stated that having a high rebate early would be useful as most new businesses don’t make money in their first year. The chamber delegates noted that the provincial government has given municipalities the ability to offer programs like this and pointed out one nearby community, the Town of Stettler, adopted a bylaw offering this incentive. The chamber delegates stated the Stettler bylaw doesn’t affect the existing tax base but only applies to new developments or improvements. The chamber delegates stated they see a program like this as something that attracts new business to Bashaw and helps out the Bashaw business community. They stated a bylaw similar to Stettler’s seems the most appropriate for Bashaw and seems easy to administer which shouldn’t increase costs to the town while boosting the tax base. The chamber delegates stated that RCMP charges CP employee Wainwright RCMP, the Eastern Alberta District (EAD) Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), along with Postal Inspectors from Canada Post executed a search warrant on the evening of Nov. 23, 2022, for a residence and vehicle belonging to a Canada Post employee. A significant seizure of stolen property in excess of 500 deliverable items were recovered. An employee of Canada Post from Wainwright, Alta. has been arrested and released with undertaking and conditions to appear in Wainwright Provincial Court Jan. 5, 2023. Criminal code charges have not been laid before the provincial court at this time. The deliverable parcels have been returned to Canada Post for continuation in the delivery process to their intended destination. RCMP in EAD continue to work closely with our partners in Canada Post and other police agencies for this investigation into the offences of RCMP theft from mail under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. Bashaw has a high tax rate and that people seem surprised at just how high it is compared to Red Deer. However, the chamber delegates also added Bashaw has a lot of services that it is proud of. Town Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller stated it would be useful to look at the assessed property values and budgets of communities that adopted this program as compared to Bashaw; she added that Stettler for example is much large than Bashaw. Fuller also stated existing taxpayers would be shouldering the burden for Caring for you & your Smile! Formerly Baird Caring Denture for you & Clinic your Smile! this program. All those present then discussed who actually shoulders the burden for tax incentive programs of this kind with the chamber delegates stating since this is only new business or improvements it should have no effect on the town budget while town staff and some councillors Formerly Baird Denture Clinic • Dentures • Implant Dentures • Partials • Relines/Repairs • Dentures • Implant Dentures • Partials • Relines/Repairs We offer out of office appointments to senior lodges David Ho, DD (owner/manager) “Did you know, if you are 65 years or older you might stated new busi- Over 10 Years experience We offer out of office appointments be eligible to for senior up to lodges ness and improved businesses still have an effect on the town and can cause expense which has to be covered by other taxes. Call now for your FREE consultation! David Ho, DD 100% coverage on a new set of dentures?” OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY TO TO THURSDAY 9 - 9 A.M. A.M. TO TO 45 P.M. FRIDAY - 9 A.M. - TO NOON 3 P.M. 403.742.2351 • 5021-50 - 50 St. St. Stettler After hours available by appointment only (owner/manager) Over 10 Years experience *After hours available by appointment only at 587.736.0128* Call now for your FREE consultation! Coun. Bryan Gust seemed hesitant about the idea noting that if a new business pays no taxes in its first year the town staff and the rest of the business community will have to step up help. The CAO noted the idea seems to suggest different treatment for new businesses compared to existing ones, and stated some existing businesses had a very hard time during the COVID pandemic. Turn to Two, Pg 4 “Did you know, if you ar 65 years or older you mig be eligible for up to 100% coverage on a new set of dentures?” OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY TO THURSDAY - 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M FRIDAY - 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M. 403.742.2351 • 5021-50 St. Stettler *After hours available by appointment only at 587.736.0128* 22121ka0
ECA REVIEW HANNA/CORONATION/STETTLER, AB December 1'22 3 Santa Claus himself arrived in Stettler Fri. Nov. 25 for the Moonlight Madness tree lighting. Afterwards he visited with kids on Main Street. ECA Review/S.Salkeld STETTLER TOWN COUNCIL Council decides not to hike business license fees Stu Salkeld Local Journalism Initiative reporter ECA Review Stettler town council decided against hiking its business license fees after a debate at the Nov. 15 regular meeting of council. Councillors read several memos provided by staff that are usually treated as formalities at this time of year: the business license fee, dog/cat registration fee and the business tax bylaw. The business license fee was the first item discussed and it was presented by Director of Planning and Development Leann Graham and prepared by Roxann Anderson. “Each year Town of Stettler council sets the business license fees for the upcoming year,” stated the memo, which noted that the Town of Stettler issued 445 commercial business licenses for a potential revenue of $66,750 in 2022 and 46 home occupation licenses for a potential revenue of $6,900. The memo also noted Stettler issued 62 non-residential business licenses in 2022 for a potential revenue of $21,700. Anderson compared Stettler’s business license rates with other Alberta communities such as Ponoka, Olds and Camrose which revealed Stettler sits mostly in the middle of the pack. Town Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Greg Switenky reminded councillors that revenue from business licenses is traditionally used to support the Stettler Regional Board of Trade (BOT). The staff memo also noted business license rates, $150 a year for resident and $350 for non-resident, haven’t STETTLER COUNTY COUNCIL Balance of tax bill must be paid Stu Salkeld Local Journalism Initiative reporter ECA Review A Stettler county ratepayer had one of his two requests granted: a tax penalty was waived by county council, but the ratepayer must pay the outstanding tax bill. The decision, including details of a tax payment mistake, was discussed at the Dec. 15 regular meeting of council. Councillors heard a request for tax forgiveness from a Stettler county property owner, who explained he thought he paid his property tax bill but due to a mistake within the county’s system it turned out he hadn’t paid the entire bill. Tax Clerk Sharon Larsen read the ratepayer’s letter, which had the name and contact information redacted. “Last Oct. 2021 I walked into your county office and asked how much I owed for property taxes,” stated the letter received by the county on Oct. 27. “I was told an amount and I paid the amount in full on the spot.” The ratepayer stated he returned this year to once again pay his tax bill and was told by county staff that he owed current taxes plus some unpaid taxes and a late penalty. “After some discussion with your staff I was able to find out someone had made an online payment to the wrong account i.e. my tax roll account and that the total I had been given in 2021 had been reduced to the amount stated because of this credit of which, at the time, I had no knowledge of whatsoever,” stated the ratepayer. The ratepayer requested the outstanding taxes plus the penalty applied to them, a total of $553.61, be waived. Larsen stated that upon investigation it was revealed an unrelated ratepayer made an online payment and used the wrong tax roll number, which was then erroneously applied to this fellow’s account. After the mistake was discovered county staff tried to get ahold of the fellow using contact information they had on file, which later turned out to be out of date. Reeve Larry Clarke asked if the ratepayer in question provided updated information after the 2022 tax bills were mailed to which Larsen answered yes, he came into the county office in July. Coun. Ernie Gendre stated that if the payment went to the wrong account, then someone else’s account should have come up short. Larsen answered a problem like that usually isn’t noticed until the actual property owner notices as it’s not something that shows up right away with staff searches. Larsen noted councillors had three options, including granting the request to waive the entire amount, waiving only the late penalty or standing by the entire bill. Coun. Les Stulberg stated he felt wrong addresses don’t really matter because every property owner knows they owe taxes. However, this person did appear in person and the mistake wasn’t his so Stulberg proposed option #2, waiving the late fees but standing by the property taxes owing. Councillors unanimously approved waiving the late penalties applied to tax roll 715900 with the expectation the outstanding tax bill is to be paid. changed since 2013. Coun. Gord Lawlor asked if councillors would consider increasing the town’s business license rate by $10 per year. Coun. Cheryl Barros stated she would prefer to see the rate stay as it is for another year, citing stresses on local business ranging from COVID and very high utility expenses. Coun. Travis Randell stated that if the BOT needs more revenue the town could ask that organization for advice first. Coun. Wayne Smith stated that an extra $10 isn’t much but the act of raising fees in a high inflation economy may not give a positive appearance. Mayor Sean Nolls stated the BOT has revenue streams of its own which it can increase if the organization desires. Councillors approved leaving Town of Stettler business license at their existing levels for 2023. Business tax Every year the Town of Stettler considers a business tax which is similar to the business license fee but applies to certain businesses, including professions, which don’t fall under the license umbrella. In 2022 the Town of Stettler charged $150 a year tax on such businesses, 41 of which were affected which raised $6,150 in revenue. BYEMOOR COMMUNITY CLUB Christmas Market Tables & Santa Claus Day Sat., Dec. 3, 2022 11 AM - 3 PM Byemoor Hall 2 PM – Pictures With Santa SLEIGH RIDES AVAILABLE Great gift ideas & Christmas baking. Concession Booth Available. Raffle draws. Christmas MarketTables available $10 each To Book tables please call Doreen at 403-579-2460 Tinsel The staff recommendation was to leave the business tax rate the same in 2023. Councillors unanimously approved that recommendation. Dog/cat fees Staff also presented a report written by Anderson containing information on dog and cat licensing, fees in the Town of Stettler in preparation for councillors setting the 2023 rates. The report noted in 2022 the town issued 664 tags for altered dogs and 62 tags for unaltered dogs, while in the same period the town issued 272 tags for altered cats and one tag for a lone presumably more satisfied unaltered cat. It was noted potential revenue from dog and cat tags if left at 2022 rates was estimated to be $26, 550. The memo noted dog and cat registration fees have not changed since 2014. In her memo Anderson compared Stettler’s rates to five other Alberta communities and found Stettler again falling somewhere in the middle. Staff recommended fees be left at their 2022 levels and councillors unanimously agreed. Spondin Christmas POT LUCK SUPPER Friday, December 16 Spondin Community Centre Potluck Supper 6 p.m. a Magical Entertainer followed by a visit from Santa Claus Everyone welcome BERRY CREEK AG S O C I E T Y ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Thursday, December 8 7 pm at the Hardgrass Hub in Pollockville, AB ‘N TEARS 2022 Dean, Verna, Corinne, Shannon, Calvin, Makyla & Matthew Would like to invite everyone to a TINSEL ‘N TEARS CHRISTMAS EVENT 2022 Thursday December 8, 2022 2 PM at the Paintearth Lodge in Castor as we host our annual event. As in the past we always include all the families we have served from the past year in tribute to their memory. We will include anyone you wish us to list so please give us a telephone call @ 403-742-3422 (Stettler), 403-882-3141 (Castor) or 403-578-3777 (Coronation) to add the names you wish. Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium Parkview Funeral Chapels Dean Ross, Verna Rock, Corinne Adair, Shannon Shirley, Calvin Blauel, Makyla Hiemstra, Matthew Kneeland “Every Life Lived Is Worthy of a Celebration”
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ECA Review 2022-12-01

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