County amends master schedule of fees bylaw

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wheatland County council approved their amended master schedule of fees bylaw, 24-33, during the Nov. 12 regular meeting, as recommended by administration. 

Specific amendments were brought forward by county administration, which had been identified since last the master schedule of fees bylaw was amended, Mar. 12. 

Joel Chiasson, manager of financial services for the county, explained many of the amendments are “housekeeping” items so as to improve legibility and ease of use. 

For both ease of understanding for the public and council, changes to the bylaw have been summarized in the meeting agenda, with additions made indicated by green font, and red for items which have been stricken out. 

“A lot of these are … housekeeping items. For example, the water and wastewater services, we are just showing a change in the fees and this is as per the prior resolution from council that was made back at the end of 2023,” said Chiasson. “Public Works, again, there are just some changes to their proposed fees; a lot of these are just to be in line with other bylaws. The major changes … in terms of the volume here are just in the safety codes area.”

Many of the proposed additions such as for various permits, permit expiries and cancellations, as well as an assortment of fee structures were proposed for amendment identically, with costs to clients, applicants and residents noted accordingly.

Following discussion about the changes suggested by administration, Coun. Tom Ikert motioned for council to approve first reading of the updated master schedule of fees bylaw. This was carried unanimously by council. 

A second and third reading were read, and each motion was passed unanimously without further debate.

For public reference, all of the changes to the master schedule of fees bylaw are available via the Nov. 12, county public meeting agenda.