Tax penalties questioned

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

There were several requests for rebate of tax penalties at the Sept. 6 Wheatland County council meeting. The deadline was June 30, and payments must be postmarked prior to that date.
Tax notices were mailed April 29 and the Municipal Government Act states they are deemed received seven days after they are mailed.
“I move to approve the recommended action (denial of rebate), as it was submitted by the owner late and it was proved by the attached postage,” said Coun. Ben Armstrong about one application.
Several others also did not get approval for rebates; however, one application was rebated as the error was not the fault of the landowner.
Some residents said they didn’t receive the notice and paid once the penalty letter was sent. One person sent a stale dated cheque with a 2015 date and it wasn’t caught by staff. The bank returned the cheque after the June 30 deadline. An online payment was made, but the resident did not notify Wheatland County staff that the money was in electronic transit and so the payment was deemed late.

 

New fire chiefs
Andrew Tschetter was approved by Wheatland County council as Cluny Fire Chief on Sept. 6. Previously, members of the Cluny Fire Protection Association voted unanimously for Tschetter’s acceptance on Aug. 25.
“I am sorry to hear our previous fire chief is moving away from our area,” said Coun. Alice Booth, but was pleased that Tschetter had stepped up as a replacement.
The Gleichen District Fire Association voted on Aug. 14 that Ron Welcher head up their crew. Welcher was approved as Gleichen Fire Chief at by Wheatland County council on Sept. 6.

 

County looks into hospital x-ray support
Wheatland County councillors requested information from Strathmore Hospital regarding an additional x-ray room in the hospital renovation. A partnership agreement may be in the works to equip and staff the additional lab. Currently, the renovation provides the extra room, but no money for staffing and equipment.
“I wonder if we need clarification from Alberta Health Services,” said Coun. Alice Booth. “Will they support to pay for another technician? I think that has been the issue and that is why (the hospital) was opposed to the purchase of a second machine.”
Coun. Brenda Knight suggested money for a technician and maintenance for the machine may not be in the Strathmore Hospital’s current budget and suggested a letter be sent to the hospital to verify this, with a carbon copy sent to the Alberta Health Minister.
Councillors felt they would get support from other municipalities in the County on the initiative and once an answer to their questions was given, the matter could be taken to the regional partnership meeting.
Reeve Glenn Koester had asked the Health ministry if chemotherapy and dialysis services could be provided at the Strathmore Hospital, and a letter was sent to him stating these services were not in Alberta Health Services plan at this time.

 

Dueling campgrounds in Rosebud
High Eagle campground is questioning the lease agreement the County holds with owners of the Rosebud Community Hall. Camping at the hall is allowed when patrons book the facility; however, there are concerns the site is utilized for free by other campers, when the hall is not booked for a function.

 

Hall upgrades for Gleichen and Carseland
The need for infrastructure upgrades to the Gleichen Arena and Community Hall and the Carseland Rec Centre and Community Hall are being looked at by Wheatland County. There was $50,000 approved for an audit, utilizing the County Regional Infrastructure Program funding awarded hamlets earlier this year. Findings will be directed to council for consideration in 2017.