Council recently resumed a discussion from a previous meeting regarding whether to support Coun. Cheri Funke’s request to submit an application to join the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association’s Alberta Police Act working group.
“We were not sure if councillors were eligible to sit on this working group and I have since confirmed that councillors can actually submit a form if they are interested,” said Linda Nelson, chief administrative officer, during the May 28 meeting.
Funke said she initially sought support for her application to get involved after the AUMA sent out a letter asking the Town of Sundre to support proposed changes in the provincial police funding model, which would make all counties and municipalities contribute. Council at the time voted against writing a letter of support because of concerns stemming from the possibility the municipality would incur a policing service expense it cannot afford.
The councillor told her colleagues she wants to join the working group to better understand what the AUMA is looking for and how the organization’s proposed police funding changes could potentially impact this community.
Offering additional insight, Nelson told council the working group is engaging in discussions to develop a fairer funding model for police services throughout the province. Under the existing funding model, municipalities with populations of less than 5,000 do not pay for RCMP funding, she said.
Coun. Richard Warnock had tabled a motion during the May 14 meeting to support Funke’s request to apply to join the working group, which was brought back for a vote by Coun. Rob Wolfe.
Coun. Charlene Preston supported the motion and said it is important for municipalities with populations of less than 5,000 to have a strong voice at the negotiating table.
Coun. Paul Isaac spoke in support of the motion but inquired about potential costs.
“This is an application, I don’t know if I’ll get approved,” said Funke.
“I have not asked for funding from the Town of Sundre, nor will I.”
Coun. Warnock spoke in favour of the motion and said there would likely be a huge cost burden placed on Sundre’s shoulders should the proposed police funding model change.
“The funding model may differ when they’re actually said and done. I just believe we should be there,” said Warnock, adding the only reason he had previously tabled the motion was to seek clarification regarding whether the working group was specifically only for administrative staff or if members of council could join as well.
Mayor Terry Leslie did not speak in favour of the motion, citing concerns that council had not extensively investigated the AUMA’s position and more specifically what costs the municipality would face in light of the proposed changes.
“It’s premature to go ahead and do this at this time,” said Leslie.
The motion carried with all members of council but the mayor in favour.
