County signs new MoU with Strathmore Handi-Bus Association

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wheatland County is updating their relationship with the Strathmore Handi-Bus Association, approving the signing of a new memorandum of understanding during the Dec. 2 meeting. 

The memorandum of understanding has been in development since 2023, which was to incorporate a consistent funding schedule, as well as reporting expectations to the county. 

Quarterly payments of $10,000 will be made to the Handi-Bus Association, with an annual inflationary adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index, or the approved county tax increase – whichever is lesser. 

“Any surplus would be returned to the county. Every year, if they do not require $40,000 in funding as the deficit between their user fees and their expenses, if they don’t need that amount, they are going to credit back on a prorated basis between the Town of Strathmore and Wheatland County,” said Coun. Shannon Laprise. “We are protected in that they are not going to amass any money by having this contribution from us. This is for their operating side of things.”

Council authorized a one-time donation of $40,000 to the Handi-Bus Association in February. At the time, administration was directed to wait for the updated memorandum of understanding to reflect changes in the association’s operations. 

Since 2020, the county had contributed $10,000 annually to the Handi-Bus Association. During the Nov. 21, 2023, council meeting, a one-time contribution of $35,000 was authorized for the 2024 financial year. 

Council at the time requested ridership data from the association, as well as its reserve policy, and asset management strategy. This was presented before the Committee of the Whole, Nov. 19, 2024. 

Based on nine months of current year data, approximately 13 per cent of the Handi-Bus Association’s ridership resides within Wheatland County.

“From 2024 to 2025, the ridership representation has gone from an average of 36 clients per month approximately to about 23 clients per month, which represents about an average of a 36 per cent decrease,” said Cory Adamson, general manager of corporate and financial services. “This change in operations has been noted by the association which presented to the public presentation committee … it is important to note though that while the data shows 13 per cent of the handi-bus’ ridership originates within the county, a study was done in 2022 which revealed that about 24 per cent of their clients were rural users who may still hold property inside the county, but are residing in Strathmore care facilities.”

The updated memorandum of understanding maintains several similarities with the previous document, save for revised dates. It also annotates the requirement of a review engagement in the place of the previous annual financial statements audit due to cost considerations.

A four-year agreement term employing the new document will begin as of Jan. 1, 2026, and will conclude on Dec. 31, 2029. Resolution of the document was supported unanimously. Coun. Glenn Koester abstained from voting on the subject.