There was little change in Bentley’s taxes this year.
The mill rate remained unchanged at 8.63 mills for residential and 12.28 mills for non-residential despite the Lacombe Foundation requisition increasing by $2,000. The assessed values of non-residential property had dropped slightly, while residential properties had increased.
The value of development permits was down last year and may be lower again this year, stated CAO Elizabeth Smart.
Bentley without fire chief
Bentley District Fire Chief Craig Colgrave resigned his position effective May 12. Assistant fire chief Ian McLaren’s appointment was approved at the town council meeting of May 24 and at the Lacombe County meeting May 26 as the new fire chief.
McLaren then resigned as fire chief May 30. ¦
No one has been approved or appointed as Bentley District Fire Chief at the time of this report.
Bentley town council and the Lacombe County council are working on plans to build a new fire hall on the west side of Bentley with a 50/50 cost sharing agreement. Town council’s first choice for location would be on the south side of Highway 12 just outside the town limits. It would be easiest and most economical to supply services there and would offer good access for emergency responses in all directions for both the town and county explained Smart.
The second best choice would be south of the Bentley Cemetery.
The old fire hall is being considered as a new location for the municipal library but there is no timeline as that would depend on many variables, including the actual construction of a new fire hall and of renovations to the existing fire hall after it was vacated by the fire department.
• A policy slightly increasing council remuneration was passed. The mayor will get a base amount of $480.48 per month with councillors receiving $125.58 per month. Reimbursement to attend ordinary council meetings will be $96.10 per meeting.
• The town is again going to investigate the cost of supplying water and sewer services to the industrial area west of the railroad tracks.
• A committee to come up with ideas of how best to use the Kraft Hockeyville funding for the Bentley Arena has been formed and will meet on June 9. Call the town office if you are willing to be a part of the committee and help supply input.
• The cost of contracted street sweeping will be compared to the actual cost to the town of doing it themselves as is currently done before any changes will be made.
• The Bentley Historical Society was granted $5,000 to help with the cost of publishing their new history book.
• There has been an indication that the Highway 12 bypass could start as early as this fall or next spring.