The Village of Botha held a special meeting on Wednesday, March 1 to discuss the long-term viability of the Village and Botha council voted to proceed to a vote of electors on question of dissolution.
County of Stettler’s Municipal Affairs presented a Viability Plan which outlined the challenges Botha faces if it were to remain a village – and what the residents could expect if the Village were to become a hamlet under the County of Stettler.
The floor was opened for questions and residents inquired about utility rates, recreation allocations and deferred revenue.
Following questions from Botha residents, council decided on the following motion – “That the Village of Botha Council request the Minister of Municipal Affairs proceed to a vote of the electors on a question of dissolution.”
The motion was passed unanimously.
“Our council felt that because the entire viability review was initiated by our residents, it was only appropriate, now that they have all the information, for the residents to ultimately get a say in the future of their community,” said Councillor Ken Hoekstra for the Village of Botha.
Alberta Municipal Affairs will now take over the process, moving forward with the request to hold a vote in Botha on the question of whether or not Botha should remain a village.
“Communities are not defined by where the administration building is located, but by the people, and the spirit that they create. Botha is a fabulous community – and whether we remain a village or dissolve into a hamlet, that fact will not change,” said Village of Botha Mayor Flo Iskiw.
Botha residents will be notified when a vote is scheduled to take place.