Bowden council will be discussing whether or not to renew the town's membership in the Central Alberta Economic Partnership in 2013 at budget discussions later this fall.
The decision was made at council's regular meeting on September 10 following a presentation by a delegation of CAEP members. Last year, council agreed to renew its membership for 2012, but gave notice the town wouldn't be continuing past Dec. 31 this year.
“Last year … we didn't think it was worthwhile to be part of CAEP so their executive came (last year) and made a presentation to us. We're going to include it in our budget discussions (this year),” said Robb Stuart, Bowden's mayor.
With membership costing $500, plus having to send a member of council to all the meetings, council felt the town wasn't getting as much benefit for all it was putting forth to be a part of CAEP, Stuart said.
“We're looking at every expenditure all the time because we're (primarily) based on residential tax,” he said, noting that the delegation did give council something to think about.
“They made a good presentation (on Sept. 10). There are some benefits (to membership) it's just that we weren't sure (CAEP) was applicable to us anymore,” Stuart added.
Town supporting Lions Club fundraiser
The town will be donating to a Bowden Lions Club fundraiser on Oct. 12 to benefit the Bowden Fire Department. Council left the decision on how to help out the club up to Andy Weiss, the town's chief administrative officer, to find out how to best help the Lions Club aid the fire department. The event will include a supper, silent auction and an open mike talking about the value of the fire department to the community.
The event will be taking place at the Bowden Lions Hall beginning at 5 p.m.
Annette Glazer, president of the Bowden Lions Club, said the event is an excellent opportunity to show appreciation to members of the department, who give of their own time to train and respond to emergencies whenever they are needed. Glazer's son, daughter and son-in-law are all members of the department.
“I know from personal experience how much time … that they give up for training and practice. They deserve some appreciation,” she said.
