Stettler County council has denied a request to forgive penalties issued on outstanding taxes.
During its April 9 council meeting, Council heard that a ratepayer missed the tax deadline of Nov 1, 2024, and as a result accrued a 10 per cent penalty in the amount of approximately $136.
While the county did receive a cheque from the ratepayer paying the outstanding amount of taxes, it was dated Oct. 31, 2024 and postmarked Nov. 4, after the tax deadline had passed.
"It was clearly after the deadline," said Coun. Les Stulberg.
While the taxes had been paid in November, the penalty had not been and on Feb. 1, 2025, the second penalty of 10 per cent was applied. As it was only applied to the outstanding amount, it was only around $11.
After being assessed both penalties, the ratepayer reached out to Stettler County administration on Feb. 20, well after the second penalty had been assessed, and requested that the tax penalties be waived as the taxes had been paid.
"Advise the ratepayer that the request has been denied," said Coun. Stulberg, motioning to deny the request, which carried.
Ag. Services
Stettler County council has approved administration's request to purchase herbicides for the 2025 season.
Annually, the county Agricultural Services Board budgets around $200,000 for spraying along roadsides, in gravel pits, along rivers, green spaces, and in parks.
According to the request for decision in the April 9 agenda package presented by Director of Operations Greg Jackson, roadside spraying in 2025 will take place in the county's central zone.
Because the herbicide purchased is for industrial use instead of agricultural use, there are no local suppliers.
There are two approved vendors in the province for industrial herbicides, with the different herbicides to be purchased to be split between the two suppliers up to the budgeted amount.
Additionally, council appointed Farrah Fischer, Colby Niehaus, Steele Nichols, Bella Lepage, Clairese Vallet, and Trinity Congdon as inspectors and officers under the Weed Control Act for the 2025 season.
Byemoor Centennial
The Hamlet of Byemoor is celebrating its centennial anniversary during the summer of 2025, and the county has been asked to support it.
Council was provided several options to support the event, including placing a commemorative bench, a plaque, another commemorative item of council's choice, or by officially participating in the Byemoor Centennial.
"My personal preference is the bench," said Chief Administrative Officer Yvette Cassidy. "There's not a lot of Maintenance."
Cassidy noted that the county has set a precedent by supporting the communities within the county as they celebrate their milestones. The most recent example was in June 2024 when the Hamlet of Botha celebrated its homecoming celebration.
"We have done other things as well," said Coun. Justin Stevens, motioning to approve the bench. "This isn't our only contribution. It's not strictly a bench."
