The Town of Castor's water use is trending higher. Council was informed of the increase during the Jan. 13 council meeting.
During the gas and water reconciliation reports, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)Donna Rowland notified council that water use was "a little higher than last year."
"We did have a couple of larger breaks," said Rowland.
Water losses for the town ending Nov. 30, 2024, are sitting around 13 per cent, up from the 11 per cent a year ago.
The numbers are still down significantly from highs of 21 per cent losses at the end of 2021.
On the gas side, that system is showing a modest profit at 1.62 per cent.
Under Alberta gas regulations, a municipally-run gas system can run a profit or a deficit of up to three per cent; any profits or losses greater than three per cent will trigger an audit of the system.
Doubtful accounts
Administration presented a list of 10 accounts to council which were either doubtful or needed to be transferred to the tax roll.
According to CAO Rowland, no accounts were written off in 2023.
In 2024, the 10 accounts amount to around $4,600.
Around $3,000 of the funds will be written off as uncollectable, while $1,600 will be moved to the tax roll.
"The majority of these were a property that was sold, and the owner didn't pay the last utility levy," said Rowland.
Council approved writing off the accounts in a motion by Coun. Kilner.
Purchase offer
A former tax sale property has received an offer of purchase below market value.
"The offer is 23 per cent lower than the list price," said Rowland.
According to the Municipal Government Act, which guides municipalities, the town can not accept an offer on a property below the assessed value without going through a process.
While the list price is higher, the assessed price for the property is $17,000.
Coun. Don Sisson said "absolutely not" when asked his thoughts on taking the offer.
Coun. Kevin MacDougall motioned to counteroffer at $17,000, which was carried.
Winterfest
Council received a request from Castor Winterfest.
The Castor Winterfest committee, as in years past, requested permission from the town to host the event on the weekend of Feb. 1.
Additionally, the committee wanted to use the space between the Elevator and the Community Hall for the sleighs and wagons, snow cleared from in front of the Elevator for trailer parking, snow placement for snow structures, and a $200 contribution to the Chili Cook-off prize.
In a motion by Coun. Sisson, the requests were approved.