Looking Forward
American author Thomas J. Peters once said "Celebrate what you want to see more of."
We can all agree that focusing on the positives in life is easier said than done, but I think Peters' sentiment has some validity. One cannot deny that more often than not, success breeds more success.
Council believes the County is a great place to call home, but we also think more work needs to be done to achieve this vision and we think you would agree.
For you, building a stronger community may mean volunteering for a local non-profit group or starting your own business to meet an unfilled need.
For the County, it means setting and achieving strategic priorities, keeping residents informed, and of course, building on our previous successes.
The year ahead will not be without its challenges, however. In 2009, the County saw a $30-million decrease in its assessment base, in large part due to the inactivity with oil and gas.
To make up for the shortfall in 2010, we trimmed spending by three per cent, increased the municipal mill rate by four per cent and plan to use reserves to fund the balance.
This doesn't necessarily mean your property taxes will go up. For instance, acreage owners whose properties decreased in market value can expect a decrease in property taxes. If your property's assessment increased or did not change, your taxes may increase up to 4 per cent, but no more than that.
We expect this increase to be manageable and recognize that you, like us, will have to be more careful with spending as the economic uncertainty continues.
But please be assured that even in the face of the current economic climate, the County will continue to maintain a strong financial position as we did in 2009. For your review, the 2009 Audited Financial Statement is now available at the County Office and on our website.
We are also pleased to share some highlights from the 2010 budget. Most notably, Council has committed to the following:
- A comprehensive road maintenance program, including rebuilding Range Road 124 (known as Sedgewick Road) between Township Road 460 and Highway 615.
- Implementing an economic development strategy in partnership with key stakeholders from across the County.
- Working with the Towns and Villages more closely to ensure long-term regional sustainability.
Following is a snapshot of what else is in store for Beaver County in 2010. While all the projects we have planned may not directly impact your daily life, many will and as such, they deserve your attention.
Administration
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Hold a Municipal election in October 2010
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Implement a new property assessment complaint system
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Update aerial photos last taken in 2004
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Develop promotional brochures and display materials
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Complete an internal capacity review, started in 2009, to ensure the County can provide optimal service to residents and neighbours
Public Safety
- Fund additional RCMP services through an enhanced RCMP Officer
- Continue to transfer fire services to the Beaver Emergency Services Commission
Public Works
- Crush 100,000 tonnes of gravel
- Replace three graders and purchase tractor trailer unit
- Complete construction work on Twp Rd 515A
- Rebuild Twp Rd 482 between RR 120 and RR 122
- Rebuild RR 124 between Twp Rd 460 and Hwy 615
- Oil RR 124 between Twp Rd 490 and 492, Lindbrook Estates, Royal Glen Estates and Carey Ridge Estates
- Build a new grader shed in Tofield, move the Ryley Grader Shed to the Transportation Shop and repair the roof on the Holden Grader Shed
- Apply dust control, starting in mid-May at the west end
Agricultural Services
- Conduct seasonal spray program and purchase new spray truck
- Maintain contract with Parkland Conservation Farm to administer the Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture (AESA) program
Planning & Economic Development
- Service the Equity Industrial Park with sanitary sewer and a phone line
- Upgrade the intersection at Hwy 854 and Equity Industrial Park
- Work with community stakeholders to create an ongoing Economic Development Strategy to ensure diverse growth in the area
Recreation, Culture & Community Services
- Provide lighting for parking lot, new parking lot, gazebo and playground at Camp Lake
- Repair the concession and build a gazebo at Black Nugget Lake
- Partner with the Town of Viking and the Village of Holden for upgrades to their respective ball diamonds
Broadband
- Complete the transfer of the broadband network to MCSNet in the second quarter
As work continues on these projects, we will keep you updated. Please continue reading the Beaver County Chronicle, visit www.beaver.ab.ca and stop by the County Office for a chat. Give us a call or send us an email.
We welcome your input and wish you the very best the in year ahead.
Jim Kallal
Reeve
Beaver County