The following are highlights from the Monday, April 10, 2023 Regular Meeting of Town Council.
RCMP Annual Policing Priorities 2023/2024
Annually, the local RCMP requests input from the community to determine strategic priorities for the upcoming year. On March 16, the Policing and Safe Community Committee met to review community feedback and – in collaboration with RCMP – developed proposed priorities and initiatives for 2023/24, which are: Police/Community relations – Visibility of Police; Crime Reduction – Property & Drug Crime; Traffic Safety. At the April 10 meeting, Council carried a motion approving the priorities as presented.
RCMP Retroactive Pay
Earlier this year, the federal government announced it would not absorb retroactive costs associated with the latest RCMP collective bargaining agreement. As a result, municipalities such as Innisfail must cover these costs. The cost to the Town of Innisfail with the retroactive payments is $287,944.34. At the April 10 meeting, Council discussed options available to the organization regarding payment deferral and continued advocacy. A motion to convey support in writing to groups advocating for financial support from the federal government was carried. Council carried a second motion authorizing a media release as a response to the federal government’s decision. Council then carried a third motion directing Administration to move into a deferred payment schedule with the federal government.
2023 Property Tax Rate Bylaw
Each year, Administration prepares the Property Tax Rate Bylaw. Council is required to authorize tax rates sufficient to generate tax revenues to support Town-based services and financial commitments. On December 12, 2022, Council approved the 2023 operating budget based on estimated assessments. Administration has now received official assessments with an increase over the estimated figures. The increase coupled with the 4% tax rate increase – determined during budget deliberations in the fall of 2022 – has led to a surplus of $413,288 over the 2023 budgeted amount. On April 10, Council carried all required readings and carried a motion to pass the bylaw as presented.
Tax Recovery Public Sale of Land
A local property has accumulated arrears of unpaid taxes over multiple years. The Town will now begin the regulated municipal tax recovery process to collect outstanding property taxes, which consists of selling the property at auction. At Monday’s meeting, Council carried two motions, setting the reserve bid for roll 196800, Lot 2A, Block 22, Plan 782 1610 at $148,000, and setting Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. as the public auction date.
Urban Hen Pilot Project Review
In May of 2021, Council approved the Urban Hen Pilot Project for a period of two years. With the project nearing completion, Town Administration gathered feedback from the public. After a thorough review, Council carried a motion on April 10 directing Administration to draft an Urban Hen Program bylaw, and to provide recommendations based on the public feedback received.
Innisfail Town Council strives to maintain a level of openness with its residents. The highlights only briefly touch upon the exchanges and decisions reached during the most recent Council meeting.
The full meeting is available to view on YouTube (click here)
Visit www.innisfail.ca/council to review full meeting agendas and minutes.
