County drops committee seats

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wheatland County council has voted to discontinue appointments to three outside bodies after reviewing whether its representatives were still needed.

The decision covers the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society’s Indoor Riding Arena Advisory Committee, the Addictions Resource Coalition and Alberta CARE.

Chief administrative officer Sherry Baers told council the arena advisory committee was no longer operating. Administration would follow up with the affected organizations after council’s decision.

Coun. Berle Hebbes said he had reached out to the agricultural society about attending meetings but had not found a need for the county’s participation.

“I don’t think we need to be involved in the ag society,” Hebbes said.

Administration clarified that the specific arena advisory committee to which the county had appointed a representative had been disbanded.

Discussion of the Addictions Resource Coalition focused on whether a council appointment still served a purpose, as the group’s activities had narrowed.

During the discussion councillors heard that the coalition’s work centred on a barbecue coordinated through Wheatland Family and Community Support Services with limited resources for other activities.

Council members questioned the value of retaining a seat while also discussing the continuing need for addictions support and professional involvement.

Deputy Reeve Scott Klassen said ending the county’s direct appointment to Alberta CARE would not eliminate its connection to the organization. He said membership remained available through the Drumheller and District Solid Waste Management Association.

Klassen described Alberta CARE’s participation as largely operational, with relatively few elected officials involved.

Council passed the motion, discontinuing all three appointments, then removed the positions from its annual appointment list.

The motion addressed council representation. It did not announce the cancellation of programs or funding.