Late tax appeal declined
Council turned down a landowner’s request to revise one of his property’s appraisals dating back several years. Chris Albert, director of corporate services, told council that Ceylon Reicker had submitted correspondence asking council to approve reviewing the 2015-16 assessed value of his property.
“The assessment process and tax process are very regulated,” said Albert.
“Mr. Reicker was given the same opportunities to appeal his taxes as every other resident in the Town of Sundre. Those processes were not followed at the time.”
So administration, he said, was seeking a council motion to uphold the assessment and taxes as levied, as they were consistent with the municipality's bylaws and provincial legislation.
To confirm, Mayor Terry Leslie asked Albert whether the municipality’s process in these situations is not to go back if someone has missed the deadline to initiate an appeal.
“That is correct,” said Albert, adding, “the appeal process is for 60 days after you get your tax notice. Once that deadline has passed, going back is a not an option.”
Coun. Cheri Funke made a motion to uphold the assessment and taxes as levied, which set the stage for the property to, in accordance with tax recovery regulations, be auctioned on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Her motion carried.
However, on Tuesday, Oct. 15 chief administrative officer Linda Nelson said the matter had been resolved.
“It’s all been cleared up,” said Nelson, adding there was no need to go to auction.
Sundre Hospital Legacy Gala
Chief administrative officer Linda Nelson informed council about a request from the Sundre Hospital Futures Committee inviting council to support the upcoming Sundre Hospital Legacy Gala by committing to purchase tickets for two tables of eight, representing a cost of $700.
The expense, Nelson said, would be covered by council’s discretionary budget donations account that has an annual amount of $2,500 available, which would leave a remaining balance of $1,800 for the rest of the year.
Coun. Paul Isaac so moved to approve the purchase of the tickets for the gala, which carried.
The hospital fundraiser takes place Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Sundre Community Centre.
Council approves training session
The municipality’s lawyers recommended a mid-term training and orientation session for members of council. Linda Nelson, chief administrative officer, said during a phone interview that such an approach is considered good practice for councillors, especially newer members without as much experience.
When a new councillor comes in, that individual is bombarded with new information, rules and regulations, as part of the mandatory process following an election as outlined in the Municipal Government Act (MGA), she said.
That initial introduction to council roles and responsibilities can be overwhelming, and understanding or retaining every last detail can be difficult — especially with the updated and modernized MGA — hence why a refresher training course half-way through their term was recommended, she said.
So following a discussion behind closed doors, administration was directed by council motion to schedule a training session with lawyer who practices and is an expert in governance law, and that all members of council must attend.
