A property in the Hamlet of Throne is going up for tax sale as taxes haven't been paid on it since 2020. Paintearth County council set a sale date during its Jan. 7 meeting.
According to county Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (ACAO) Lana Roth, "all efforts" to contact the owner have been exhausted and all correspondence has been returned to the office, undeliverable.
In an effort to contact the ratepayer, Commercial Credit Adjustors was also contacted and was also unsuccessful.
Outstanding taxes on the property currently sit around $430; however once tax recovery proceeds, those costs will escalate.
Under the Municipal Government Act (MGA), council can recover the back taxes through the tax-auction process but must set a reserve bid at the property's current market value.
The County's assessor has recommended a valuation of between $750 and $1,000 for the property, with a current assessment set at $870.
During the discussion, it was noted that another property in Throne sold for around $1,000 a couple of years ago.
It was determined that a sealed bid auction would take place for the property, with bids to be opened at 9 a.m. on March 25, 2025, which allows the county sufficient time to advertise as per the MGA.
Halkirk FCSS
With Paintearth County taking over the administration of Halkirk effective Jan. 1, 2025, some of the programs which used to run under the village need to change.
One of the programs needing documentation updates is Halkirk Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).
Halkirk had an agreement with the province to provide FCSS in the community, and Paintearth County needs to update that agreement stating that the county is taking over that role.
While Halkirk residents won't see a change in services, the county will be required to absorb the extra cost, which has already been included in the Paintearth County budget which was passed in December.
BRAED
The Battle River Alliance for Economic Development (BRAED) is hosting its fourth annual agricultural industry forum in February.
This year's event will be taking place on Feb. 27, 2025, and be hosted at the Galahad Agriplex.
BRAED submitted a request to Paintearth County council for funds in support of the event.
Roth noted that the county has supported the event in the amount of $1,000 in previous years.
"We've had a good response (to the event)," said Reeve Stan Schulmeister. "We've had good speakers."
The request for funding noted that the 2025 event will focus on resilience on the farm.
Council approved the donation in a motion by Council. Diane Elliot.
Castor WinterFest
Castor WinterFest is set to take place on Feb. 1, 2025, and organizers from the event have made their annual ask from the county for an in-kind donation.
Organizers have requested that the county supply firepits, firewood, and picnic tables for use at the cowboy camp, which is to be set up near the Castor Elevator.
The motion to approve the donation was put forward by Coun. Terry Vockeroth.
