Drumheller Mayor Heather Colberg informed residents that, due to the ongoing postal strike, November utility invoices can be picked up in-person at the Town’s Administrative Office, and encouraged residents to sign up for e-billing to avoid potential delays.
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Council gave third and final reading to the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Committee Bylaw. The bylaw would establish a subcommittee of council which will be responsible for the approval and overseeing of programs funded through the FCSS program.
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Council gave first and second reading to Bylaw 38.24 - Assessment of Manufactured Home Communities, which would designate the manufactured home park owner as the assessed person for all improvements within the manufactured home park.
Council previously provided direction during the September 9 regular council meeting regarding the introduction of a minimum tax on municipal property taxes, which would see a minimum cost of $500 for municipal taxes in 2025.
Through feedback, council heard the minimum tax may unfairly target those who own manufactured or mobile homes in mobile home communities, where the homeowner owns the structure, but not the land.
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Council gave all three readings to pass Bylaw 37.24 - Taxation of Exempted Properties.
This item is a housekeeping item stemming from a change to the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, which came into effect in May 2024 which provides property tax exemptions for affordable housing accommodations.
Seniors lodges are already exempted in the MGA and this would affect affordable housing property Sandstone Manor.
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Council gave first and second reading to Bylaw 38.24 - Fees, Rates, and Charges Bylaw.
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Council approved a moratorium for administration to review Policy CS-A-01 - Memorial Bench Program in 2025.
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Council gave third and final reading to Bylaw 25.24 - Fire Bylaw.
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Ms. Chan presented council with the proposed 2025 Operating Budget, 4-year Financial Plan, 2025 General Capital Budget and 10-year Capital Plan.
The 2025 Operating and Capital Budget will be brought back before council for deliberation and discussion during the December 16 council meeting.